What the hell kind of name is that? Not that it's a bad one, considering the billion-dollar names that have popped up throughout rock history (seriously-how much creativity did it take to come up with The Doors or The Beatles?). Still, I really want to know where a name like that comes from…

All semantics aside, Boston-based four-piece Daisycutter has scored big with their debut CD. From the first crunchy blast of "Do the Nasty", these guys prove they know how to hit you hard in the speakers. I was pleasantly surprised by the fullness of the songs; the postproduction on this album shows far more attention to detail than one finds on a lot of rock CDs. In the same vein, the performance quality on this CD is excellent – precise and well orchestrated instruments mixing it up with dead-on vocal harmonies. I love to hear a rock band that's not afraid to use synth and keyboards, and knows how to use them for maximum impact.

Not everything on this album is perfect, though (otherwise, I'd just say "you NEED this CD" and be done with it). It took me a few listens to get used to lead singer Scott Matalon's voice. It’s definitely not bad, but his rock-rappish lyrics on some of the songs struck me in a weird way. Think Cake-meets-Van Halen (the David Lee Roth years) and you'll have an idea of what I'm talking about. As I got used to it, though, I was struck again – this time by the sometimes funny, spectacularly clever lyrics. These guys know more than a little about word play.

My one other "hmm" moment is Daisycutter's choice to cover The Beatles classic, "I am "the Walrus. Taking on this psychedelic masterpiece took balls, and I can't help but credit them for that; this version is definitely listenable. Still, the hard rock filter they strain it through strips off some of the ebb and flow of the original, making their version feel rigid in spots. I bet, however, that the fab four would have killed to end the original with the gut-shaking, effect-laden finale Daisycutter pulls off beautifully. All nits having been picked and scabs scratched, the faults on this album pale in comparison to the whole. I would recommend this edgy, melodic, angry, witty album to anyone with a pulse. They'll all find something to get their blood running on Daisycutter. Now, I just have to figure out where the name came from…What kind of name is Daisycutter?

www.daisycutter.com