America Give Up Rough Trade***

Ooh, let's see: floppy fringes just so? Yep. Button-down check shirts? Yep. American born and raised? Okey-dokey. A summer-sun/surf's-up/punk-rock hybrid? Robin – turn the key in the ignition of the Batmobile right now! From Minneapolis, Howler know all the right bands to be influenced by, from The Strokes (their touchstones) to the likes of The Vaccines, Drums and Ramones as well as 1960s pop à la Phil Spector. So far, so predictable, but what makes Howler such a cute proposition is their dedication to the art of skilful pilfering. Tracks such as Beach Sluts, Wailing (Making Out)and Free Drunkmight play the mildly controversial card a bit too heavily, but other tunes such as Back to the Grave, Too Much Blood, Back of Your Neckand Black Lagoongive any Ramones/Ronettes fusion a good run for their money. Sweet. See howlerband.com

Download tracks: Too Much Blood, Back of your Neck, Black Lagoon