Sometimes a band hits upon a signature sound that is so them, that to change or modify their sound away from it would be both pointless and a waste of time. Such is the case with Pissed Jeans, who have spent the last decade making music that can be described best with just one word: loud. No ballads or introspective longing has ever haunted any of this Philly-based band’s albums, and the trend continues for Honeys, their fourth album. Buzzing guitars? Check. A style that blends the sludge rock of label mates Mudhoney with metal masters such as Iron Maiden and KARP? Check. The loud ranting voice of Matt Korvette? Yep, you got it. Honeys is less an album as it is an onslaught of heavy, loud music. There’s a slight political bent to the songs, but they’re done with such a great sense of humor, you don’t think about it, such as “Health Plan,” wherein Korvette declares, “Wanna know my health plan? I stay away from doctors!” There’s moments dedicated to teenage life, such as “Bathroom Laughter,” “Teenage Adult,” and “Cathouse,” but good luck trying to figure out what he’s singing—which, of course, is a sign of truly awesome rock and roll. “Cafeteria Food” might be called a ballad, but that’s because it sounds like they intentionally slowed down the tape of the finished product, to produce a sludgy, druggy song. It’s hilarious, it’s great fun, as are the other songs found here. Honeys is exactly what you’ve come to expect from Pissed Jeans—nothing more, nothing less—and thank goodness for that!
