Quips "Take Two"

If only it was as easy to cross species as it is to cross genres, cute epithets like "pig-fucker" might be more frequently substantiated, and new doors of artistic expression would open. Philadelphia quartet Quips go the more socially acceptable route, easing out a smooth, folksy blend of Queens of the Stone Age and Dinosaur Jr.

Take Two rocks like a glider undisturbed amidst a duststorm, a den of melody humming inside each grinding, gravel-bejeweled cut. The crooning vocals carry a J. Mascis vulnerability, and the songs swell from ditty to daunting, then dwindle away. Though the well-crafted, crowd-swaying riffs wear a mask of distortion, the hook laden Take Two is nothing if not soothing. The predominantly plodding tempos and sugary choruses, however, aren't conducive to the distinctive edginess fostered by the likes of Neutral Milk Hotel.

Reprising rock's finest era, Quips are a 1990's history lesson for the prepubescent and a pleasant delight for grungy fogeys.

A '90s Revival - "Over the Top"

Check it out at Translation Loss Records.