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Donots

Pocketrock

Label: Burning Heart

1621
DiSvsMatt by Mat Hocking April 18th, 2002

OK, I’m gonna start this by getting straight to the point. ‘Pocketrock’ is the strongest and most addictive melodic punk album you will have heard in a very long time! Ya hear me? Just leave your preconceptions of what pop-punk is all about at the door because for a start, German upstarts *Donots *are not a pop band - the punk is most definitely present here. For anyone with a love for passionate, beautifully crafted music with a flame hot punk rock kick then that really is all you need to know.

If you’re looking for reference points then I guess if you could imagine a young *Anti-Flag *experimenting with a more polished *Blink 182 *sound you wouldn’t be far wrong. But, despite the remotely Blink-sounding vocals the *Donots *are in a completely different league of their own, displaying a perfect gleaming mix of shining melodies and kick-arse punk sensibilities that really shows the Blink boys up for the pitifully lame pop songs they muster in comparison.

Spin the disc and the medium-paced chords of _‘I Quit’ _ringing out above the hard-hitting drum beats just about prepare you for the explosion of tuneful distortion as the rest of the band burst in. It’s a true punk rock anthem that flicks two fingers up to needless authority, encouraging pro-activity and change amongst young people; a theme that runs throughout the album. It’s also a brilliant example of the Donots' enviously spot-on vocal harmonies which add that extra sparkle to songs that’re already far too catchy for their own good.

The rougher-edged _‘Whatever Happened to The 80s’ _spits out a more hostile vocal approach in the verse before the more MTV-friendly chorus harmonises it’s title and invites you to who-oh along at the top of your voice.

_‘Superhero’ _is another hit single in waiting and yet another song with an impeccable chorus line that digs deep in your head. _‘Don’t You Know’ _springs back into groove with an upbeat number, it’s softer emotional chorus showing off producer Fabio Trentini’s skill for caressing the warm and emotive aspects of the Donot’s music perfectly.

With _‘Pocketrock’ _the Donot’s have an exciting, strong and brilliantly composed collection of punk rock gems that’re impossible to find fault with. C’mon, someone needs to educate the kids – they don’t know what they’re missing!

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