Versus God

Dillinger Four: Erik, Billy (vocals, guitar); #51 (vocals, bass); Monkey Hustle (drums).
Engineers: Dave Gardner, Bryan Hanna, Eric Olsen.
Recorded at The Terrarium, Burr, Holland.
The Dillinger Four are punk rock incarnate, and Versus God, the record by this exemplary crew of spry fellows from Minneapolis, is a punchy and rip-roaring classic. The general theme of the band, gleaned from its lyrics, appears to be seizing one's life back from whatever institution is currently fouling it up, living it to the utmost, and partying well past closing time. Song titles that support this theory include "Get Your Studyhall Outta My Recess," "Maximum Piss & Vinegar," and "Wrecktheplacefantastic." This is undoubtedly the Dillinger Four's most impressive work to date and the band comes off -- both live and on this record -- as genuine, with punk rock being more of a lifestyle than a hair style. Musically, the Dillinger Four are utterly infectious from hook to splendent melody to hook, rarely letting up from the crunchy, spirited wallop they deliver, kung fu-style, to the forehead. ~ Adam Bregman