I could mention the fact that Bad Astronaut consists of former & current members of Lagwagon but don’t think this is your average pop-punk record. There’s a slight inter-galactic sci-fi theme to this band with some weird little bleeps appearing here & there but my guess is that it’s just vocalist/ guitarist Joey Cape experimenting with a couple of long-time friends tamer, more heartfelt music that was probably laughed off by Lagwagon.

Indeed, the trademark duh dudda duh dudda drums are replaced with a more laid-back beat decorated with Cellos & a delicate tinkly Piano on songs like ‘Quiet’ & ‘Only Good For A F**k’. OK, so they let their hair down in places but for the most part this is pretty experimental. Joey even sounds like James Iha in ‘Quiet’ and hey –they cover an Elliot Smith song. For a punk band, that’s pretty experimental!

This is an OK CD and as much as I’ve wanted to like this I’ve never really been a fan of Joey Cape’s vocals so erm… yeah this is alright but nothing outstanding in my eyes [or should that be ears? -sorry.]. A split EP with Armchair Martians should be out on Bill Stevensen & Stephen Egerton’s [from All & Descendents] label ‘Owned & Operated’ as well as a full length on Joey’s My Records later in the year so watch out!