The European Pop Punk Virus

Packed with almost 30 blasts of pop-punk mayhem, The European Pop Punk Virus is a very complete collection of artists signed to Stardumb. The label does a good job of finding artists who have a somewhat distinctive voice in a genre that can be hard to stand out in. With so much music featured, there's bound to be some filler, but there are a few notable standouts. The Apers' "Really Really" is an attitude-packed display of self-loathing that nicely utilizes their snotty approach. The Sonic Dolls deliver a barn-burner with the trash rock anthem "Dance With Me Tonight," as do the Manges on their bouncy "Do the Loser." The Battledykes bring to mind classic British punk on the charged "Backwoods Song," while the Shits recall the thrashing Los Angeles scene circa 1981. And the sweet, slightly fractured "Day By Day" is a great pop track from the Italian punkers the Pink Panthers that tries to steal the show toward the end. In the end, this may not be an essential collection, but it does work as a nice sampler for the up-tempo punk rock found on Stardumb. ~ Bradley Torreano, All Music Guide