Kryptonite (1996)

About this title: Ignore MTV pop-punk; those somewhat catchy jokers that lack the balls-out thrust and skills of pioneers such as The Jam, Weirdos, Clash and Buzzcocks. Columbus, Ohio two-guitar quartet Gaunt's second LP-a marked improvement in sound over I Can See Your Mom From Here- recalls early '80s melodic hardcore greats, such as D.O.A., Descendents, Zero Boys and Bad Religion, before thrash ruined everything. Gaunt's songs and artillery kick, and horns fit for a king's procession on "Hope You're Happy" add a "hell-yes!" dimension. There's variety too: see the hushed "Deranged." Finally, name checking ... read more

Tracks:

1. Kryptonite [Wick]
2. Savior Breath [Wick]
3. Hope You're Happy [Wick]
4. Transistor Sister [Wick]
5. Bust [Wick]
6. Hand in Pants [Wick]
7. Deranged [Wick]
8. Bored Girls [Wick]
9. Beggin' 4 It Genre [Wick]
10. A.W.O.L. [Wick]
11. Superman [Wick]
12. $ 1,000 Joke [Wick]

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.