First things first—the song on side A is called “Sentimental Jenny Jones Fodder Has Been Around For Fucking Ever.” That’s just uncalled for, guys. Not only would it not fit on a single line of a Maxell cassette track list* but is Jenny Jones even alive anymore? Anyway, three tracks here and, honestly, I’ve been listening to this for about a month and still am not sure what to make of it, and I think that’s a good thing. Plates’ sound isn’t easy to pigeonhole—much like some of the American underground in the post-hardcore years, they sound as though they’re drawing influences from a wide range of styles. Songs swing from melody into crunching guitar breaks, can be tuneful or aggressive. I suspect that if there were another four songs there’d be as many variations on their sound. Nice silk-screened sleeve, to boot. Between Brown Sugar and Plates, it seems like something is brewing in Buffalo.(DH)
*A definite rule of thumb for song title length is not to exceed one line on a Maxell J-card.

Review from Terminal Boredom

Scum Stats: 300 Units, Black Vinyl; 100 Units, White Vinyl