The Matches: E. Von Dahl Killed The Locals : Music Reviews : Rolling Stone

Album Reviews

For better or worse, the Matches join the long list of punk-pop bands that have made their cliched mark on today's music scene. While this quartet has all the requisite sing-along choruses, slashing guitar riffs, chunky bass lines and that "woe is me, love is hard" lyrical approach, songs like "Dog-Eared Page," "Chain Me Free" and "Eryn Smith" push them beyond easy dismissal. Add the autobiographical "More Than Local Boys," the ode to backseat mischief "The Restless" and the Lolita-inspired "Say 18" to the list of songs that will get stuck in your head after one listen. The band -- singer/guitarist Shawn Harris, guitarist Jon Devoto, bassist Justin San Souci and drummer Matt Whalen -- wear the influences of Green Day and Rancid proudly. At the same time, these songs are not weak imitations of a tired formula. Rather, the Matches rev it up to the next notch.