By Aeron Bergman

Very catchy, like a 1980s detective movie theme song. In fact, Beverly Hills Cop comes to mind whenever I play it. Ian Hammer's funny little pre-techno anthems have a European year 2001 update.

Moments of stubbly noise bits add further contemporary awareness, yet the most important theme in this CD is its abridged jingle themes. I can practically see the credits rolling over still shots of the main character aiming his gun towards an off screen coke dealer, a jaunty smile creeping into his curled lip.

Technically, a pretty strong disc where pop music ability and noise management combine to create a new alternative, alternative rock. Judging by Vert's touring schedule in all the middle sized rock concert halls of the USA, Japan, and Europe (such as Irving Plaza in NYC, and The Latin Quarter in Detroit), jingle electronica is catching up with college radio rock in underground glassy-eyed early 20s cognoscenti.

Anyway, I put this disc on during light family lunches, and evening email sessions fully enjoying its atmosphere.