[11.02] For some reason, it seems that any post punk experimental indie band that has a lot of distortion in its music is instantly and lazily compared to Sonic Youth. The Norwich, England-based band Kaito is no exception. They don't directly evoke images of the quintessential noise rock band of the '80s/'90s…unless you limit these images to the stuff they did on Goo. No song on this seven-song EP is slick or clean and even though it has a hint of the retro/garage sound that is popular at the moment, Kaito's appeal may be limited to those of us who aren't used to being spoon fed what is cool. Though danceable and catchy, their take on the flavor of the moment may be a bit too experimental for the masses.

Kaito play an updated version of garage rock for the new millennium. While this statement may sound rather bold (as well as cheesy), it is not without merit. Their music has its share of fuzzy and distorted guitar sounds and dissonance, but it is accentuated by all types of electronically created noises that give it its futuristic edge. It also has great pop sensibility. Under the layers of distortion and sounds, the beautiful girlish vocals of Nikki Colk shine through, with as much sass as Justine from Elastica or Emma of Lush (and less discernible lyrics). Some of the choruses have the feel and energy of cheerleader chants at high school football games. There's nothing like pop-punk cheers to get your head in the game.

Fans of Blur, the Rentals, Weezer, Bis, and Sleater-Kinney will surely enjoy Montigola Underground. Even fans of Sonic Youth and Stereolab might see Kaito's latest effort as an extension of what those indie pioneers were doing back in the day. It's fuzzy-psychedelic-new wave-garage-post punk-experimental-indie rock that will make you shake your tail feather and swish your head from side to side. —Matthew