HORNET LEG - "Ribbon of Fear" LP

This was another album I was really curious about but wasn't able to various reasons (including my monetary situation) wasn't really able to check out until very recently.  Hornet Leg's debut album offers up a catchy batch of garage punk tinted rock songs with a feel that oozed a combination of vintage cool and modern attitude.  These guitar-fueled rave-ups are deceptively straightforward with an approach that calls to mind a combination of the cooler music on oldies radio, punk, and indie.  While there are one or two exceptions here (one track appears to be stripped down with only percussion and vocals), this mix of original songs and a few covers take the rock archetype (guitar, bass, and drums trio) and create music that's comfortable yet at moments can take you by surprise.  This is the last of the three way tie for best album of the past year and should be a must have for fans of both vintage and modern garage rock.  (BOONE)

(K Records. Box 7154. Olympia, WA 98507 krecs.com)