This is one of those singles that took me by surprise and I’ve been waiting to clue people in on it.  Aquarium’s debut single is catchy keyboard based rock that grabs you by the ears.  “Performer” is a fast paced punk rock song that moves at almost 100 miles per hour and has enough energy to power a mid sized city.  “Battle of the Bands” is an infectious number with an almost poppy hook that takes the message of the song and its dissection of the title home.  This is the type of high octane rock where the keyboards and drums prove that a guitar isn’t almost mandatory for hard driving music.  Neither of these songs are on their full length debut CD so this single is a must if you’ve gotten into this band and don’t have it – or just are curious to hear what they’re about.  The Aquarium are off to a killer start with these 2 songs.  (BOONE)

(Dischord Records. 3819 Beecher St NW. Washington, DC 20007-1802.  dischord.com)