Women’s Christmas: Too Rich for Our Blood

Judging by their amusingly honest mission statement ("to capitalise on The Replacements' reunion and possible accompanying wave of nostalgia for scrappy, outdated, boozy alt-rock"), Women's Christmas are nothing if not upfront. And there is an undoubted echo of Paul Westerberg's sneery drawl to the vocals on Too Rich for Our Blood, while the lo-fi production complements the occasional blasts of ragged, punky guitar riffs. This rambunctious collection of garage-rock tunes is gleefully charming at best, although Split Lip Service and Rope of Foam are almost too short to sound fully-formed. Surrounded by Clouds and With Sea Legs find a more structured, melodic groove, but, in general, the sense of fun trumps both perfection and balance on the band's agenda. facebook.com/womenschristmas