Punk Rock Retrospective: Screamin' Cyn Cyn and the Pons' Screamin' Target Heart Rate

Although this album is less than 3 months new (from the time this review was written), Screamin' Cyn Cyn and the Pons' Screamin' Target Heart Rate encapsulates everything that good, retro, post-pop punk had to offer. By reinventing the sound, SCCATP don't just carry the torch, they glue glitter on it and use it to light their cigarettes.

With twenty bonable tracks, this album is mainly comprised of humoristic, sexy songs written from a uniquely ironic, yet all-too-serious musical approach.

The track that best exemplifies this style of song writing is "Slumber Party," which, like many of vocalist/keyboard player Shane's songs, is written from a 'tween females perspective. And it's his synth sound that often makes the tracks too.

But does not imply, however, that the rest of the band isn't kick ass. Cyn Cyn's guitar definitely plays its part, as well as Steve's drums and Christian's bass.

Oh, and then there's Cyn Cyn's screaming.

Part of what makes a female vocalist attractive (to the ear) is her ability to scream while simultaneously conveying utter insanity. She must have an abandon from self-consciousness, yet must maintain a grip on the underlying message.

Overall, what seems like a paradoxical approach to musical delivery is what makes Screaming Cyn Cyn and the Pons' Screamin' Target Heart Rate such a well-layered album. Where things get serious lyrically, there'll be some wry bit of musicianship, and vice versa. Still, what's most amazing about this album is that it is no way annoying. Usually a band that involves a degree of hardcore delivery can be somewhat abrasive over time, yet SCCATP manages to smooth it all out. What would seem like something that could easily be annoying-listening to a mad woman scream 'set the table, set the table right' about a hundred times-manages to deliver a valuable lesson about proper dinner party behavior.

Overall, there's a lot one could learn from Screamin' Target Heart Rate. You just might learn something about yourself that you don't like. For some listeners, a realization might take place on the track "Blackout Boyfriend," in which a drunkard couple must come to terms with the shallowness of its relationship. Many songs deal with the theme of disappointment, yet never disappoint the listener.

Screamin' Cyn Cyn and the Pons are a Madison-based band on Crustacean Records. Screamin' Target Heart Rate is their sophomore release.