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Written by Eammon Azizi Tuesday, 25 September 2007 13:55

Overall, it's a seriously upbeat, rockin' 28-minute listen that offers nothing even close to a ballad.

Punk rock was made to be fun, catchy, aggressive, and best experienced with a cheap, bitter beer in your hand. Obviously, The Hail Marys play by those rules on their debut full-length album, Faith, Forgiveness, Sweet Revenge.

It doesn't take long to realize that front woman Katie Gates and her voice, or rather throat, is what defines this band. Not that the music takes a backseat, but their sound is more focused on gripping you with Gates' microphone cord. Her growling lyrics combined with mirroring backup vocals deliver exactly what you'd want from a poppy, punk rock band: fist-pumping refrains that are fun to repeat, no matter how drunk you are. That is if you can understand them all—some of the lyrics are unintelligible, but the melody is catchy enough that you'll find yourself wanting to mouth-along, close as you can.

The chord-riffing guitars and bass never stray from their straight ahead distorted style, and the band rarely give the drummer a chance to catch his breath. While the guitar licks are short, simple, and sweet, the melodies truly fit the songs to add a layer that would otherwise be sorely missed.

Overall, it's a seriously upbeat, rockin' 28-minute listen that offers nothing even close to a ballad. And if you're going to complain about that, then The Hail Marys and their fans won't be missing you at the next show.

My advice to you is to give this album a listen in your car with the windows down—but don't hit "play" until you're going 70 mph on the Interstate. A- | Eammon Azizi

RIYL: The Distillers, Joan Jett, Horror Pops

Standout Tracks: "No Mercy," "I'll Be Okay," "Combative"

Online: http://www.thehailmarys.net/