The Smartys

As the world of rock and roll bogs down into a Korn/limp bizkit malaise (this is fresh and original?!), that makes the over inflated 70’s art/corporate rock trend look like an intellectual explosion in retrospect, the time is riper than ever for a band like the smartys. This New Brunswick-based 3-piece energetically recaptures the original purpose and attitude of punk rock by irreverently and humorously taking the pretense and fanfare out of everyday bullshit, without sounding preachy or contrived. Because of a myriad of influences and a willingness to bend rules, the Smartys have a sound that is uniquely their own. "We’ve got a ton of influences," says lead singer Vic, "Everything from 30’s folk, to the Beatles, to the Velvet Underground, 60’s garage, 70’s punk. You name it, we listen to it." Like Radiohead, Sonic Youth and the Fall, the Smartys have a keen sense of musical history and roots, while avoiding the pitfalls of nostalgia. They have an undying love of the likes of Hendrix, the Stooges, the Clash, Motorhead, and Camper VanBeethoven, yet their vision remains in the future. As much a tip of the cap to heroes like Dylan, as a battle cry to kill your idols, "Highway 61 Repaved," is the Smartys 16-song debut on Newark-based Warp Factor Records. On this self-produced, d.i.y.-epitomizing effort, the songs run the gamut from nitro-driven, metallic hardcore, to psychedelic guitar pop, to the banjo twang of "Last Folk Song" and even Brazilian capoeira music."We’ll probably do a few more covers this time," Vic offers. A scaled-down, rawer version of Patti Smith Group’s "Dancing Barefoot," is the only non-original on "Highway 61 Repaved," whose cover is a sort of homage to the first Byrds album…….