Beat Beat Beat: Living in the Future

Tight punk rock that is the odd time angular, Beat Beat Beat hit the ground running, running, running. Whether it is the pleasing kick arse opener “Hate Me” that sounds like a cross between Rancid and The Replacements or the garage-y “Sinking Slow” that is powerful, this band has “it”. Whatever the hell that “it” is! The group also nails “Psycho” with a pizzazz that brings to mind The Clash while “Don’t Tell Me Know” could be mistaken for a out-take by The Futureheads or Gang of Four. The band rarely falters with this blueprint, with particular early highlights being the tight rhythm section driving “Sick Sad” along. Beat Beat Beat excels in this format and aren’t afraid of diving back into the past for their influences on a rollicking “Where the Birdmen Fly” (a cover of The Fun Things song) and a quick, mid-tempo romp entitled “Eyeballs Jones”. The lone disappointment might be “Why Should I” that has a horrible mix for some reason.