July 3–10, 1997

music|discquiks

rock/ pop

The Boss Martians

13 Evil Tales (Dionysus)

The Boss Martians are living proof that grunge isn't Seattle's only musical gift to the '90s. With their clean-cut Beach Boys demeanor, this quartet might be the country's premiere frat rock band. Recalling everyone from Eddie Cochran to The Pyramids and Ventures, The Boss Martians effortlessly combine rockabilly, garage rock and surf music. As you might expect, their schtick and song titles employ classic drag strip imagery (e.g. "Coffin and A Six Pack"). Evan D. Foster's vocals on "Gonna Have Fun Tonight" are reminiscent of Buddy Holly's sophomoric sweetness while his reverb-laden guitar twang recalls Duane Eddy. Nick Contento's Farfisa swirls complement everything well. The band seems most inspired when doing the hard-rocking garagedelia tune "She's Creepy!" Other noteworthy standouts include "Hot Foot," a psychedelic trip into garagey go-go music, and "Evil Martian," a Dick Dale tribute to Barbarella-style '60s kitsch. Though The Boss Martians steal from a lot of places, they do so very tastefully.

— Geeta Dalal