Sidekick - So Far Away (Gale Force)
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Straight-up melodic punk from this Hollywood foursome, cut from the same cloth as Bouncing Souls and Screeching Weasel. Had this disc come out five years ago, critics would be falling over themselves to call them the second coming of punk. As it stands, you can’t throw a rock in a record store without hitting a few bands like this—the thing that separates them from the rest of the motley pack is energy and intent, which Sidekick has to spare. No pretensions here other than to deliver ten solid tunes, brimming with voltage, a crummy self-image and an insatiable jones to play and be heard. Jaded punks soured on the current batch of nimrods with guitars and own clothing labels should check in here for a refresher course, or visit their web site for the full dope.
—Paul Gaita
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