by Neil Gladstone

Now's time for Philly old-school punk rock corner. This week's installment features Zonic Shockum's new self-titled album. Having caught Zonic live several times over the years at shows with abysmal sound systems, I can safely say that they fulfill their promise best on record. Vocalist Debbie Polak, occasionally reminiscent of Royal Trux's Jennifer Herrema, fares well here because she doesn't have to struggle to be heard over a din of distorted guitars. Many tunes will bring you back to those sweaty, punk-rock warehouse parties, but plenty of them also show that Zonic has added some depth to their chunky, "1-2-3-4" stylings. The quartet thrives nicely with the biker/acid rock of "Dirty Old Car" and even shows a little vulnerability on the strummy "Marcsong." For the most part, Zonic Shockum is good ol' Philly punk rock. Turn it up and kick some azz.