Rock What you Got

Girl garage-band Superchic[k]'s newest CD, "Rock What You Got" is both amazingly wonderful and a slight disappointment.
How's that for the beginning of a review?
From the great rocking riffs of "Alive" and the title track "Rock what you got" to the haunting melodies of "Breathe" and the awesome orchestra-rock of "Stand in the Rain", Superchic[k]'s talent and love for their music shines through.
However, the CD is markedly different from their previous three (four if you count a remix album) CDs, both in feel and in content.
The first thing you notice, from the opening notes of "Rock What you Got", is the harder, more defiant sound that permeates almost every track - the album isn't "dark" per say, but somehow the character of the songs is much more grown-up than the kooky-but-sincere feel of "Karaoke Superstars" and "Last one Picked". "Beauty from Pain" alluded to this new face of Superchic[k], but even it was different, in a more melancholy vein.
"Rock What you Got" takes the emotions of "Beauty from Pain" and puts them to a more Skillet- or Pillar-like tone, creating a wonderful CD that nevertheless somehow lacks the Superchic[k] personality we came to know and love in songs like "TV Land", "Super Trouper", "High School", "Princes and Frogs", and even "Bowling Ball". (And if you have no clue what I'm talking about, go find some 'Chic[k] and hear it for yourself.)
This old-chic[k] does come through in places, most noticeably in the songs "So Beautiful" (which is reminiscent of "One Girl Revolution" and "Anthem") and "Cross the Line" - a few lyrics from each of these songs illustrate my point:

"We are a thousand voices strong

We are each girl who sings this song

We are a beauty that's our own

And we are, and we are

So beautiful"

-"So Beautiful"

"Follow the leader, stay in the line

What will people think of what you've done this time

Go with the crowd, surely somebody knows

Why we're all wearing the emperor's clothes"

-"Cross the Line"

Personally, "Cross the Line" is my favorite track on the album, both for it's driving music and the fun lyrics.

Overall, the music of "Rock What you Got" is amazing, with an admittedly more sober note that - even if it isn't the 'Chic[k] we're used to - is a pleasure to hear. Founding member/sister and lead vocalist Tricia's voice is showcased beautifully in several tracks, such as "Crawl (Carry me through)" and "Stand in the rain", not to mention "Breathe". It only goes to show that garage-grunge isn't all that this chic[k] has in her.

Oh, and just as a side not, the band's new drummer, Brandon Estelle, is a wonderful addition to the group. We had the privilege of seeing the "Beauty from Pain" tour this spring, and Brandon's energy and talent really add a new element of force to the music.

So, all things considered, "Rock What you Got" is a success for Superchic[k] and well worth your money - just don't be expecting the lightheartedness and humor of their first two records, or the melancholy wistfulness of "Beauty from Pain". "Rock What you Got" is a new, more grown-up version of the band. It may not be what we have known and loved, but it's definitely a great album.

So what are you waiting for? Go rock what you got!

"Rock what you got, rock what you got

Don't ever let them make you stop

Rock what you got, light up the lot

No one can rock the way you rock!"