Magneta Lane "Dancing With Daggers" (Paper Bag)

Girl groups have a well-publicized back history of being more novelty act than anything real and honest. It's a shame really cause for every band like The Donnas I firmly believe there are incredible bands like Magneta Lane that are truly making some great music. I have to go back all the way to my first listens to Sleater-Kinney to remember the last time I was so enamored with an all-female band. Magneta Lane are a power trio from Canada that play catchy indie rock with definite nods towards legendary bands like Sonic Youth, The Pretenders and Blondie. The band's most remarkable trait is one of simplicity. The ten songs that make up Dancing With Daggers hit hard and fast and the girls are in and out before you know it. No track goes beyond the four minute mark and the album is over in a half an hour. That's not to say the ladies of Magneta Lane write simple tunes though. This album is downright infectious with the kind of hooks that would make the Yeah Yeah Yeahs jealous. Vocalist Lexi Valentine's sexy vocal tendencies really carry these songs farther than they should ever go. Especially on the album closer, "Butterflies Are Beautiful" which shows the band can drop some introspection into their songs as well. Dancing With Daggers is a mighty fine debut for Magneta Lane and one that bodes well for the future of the band.

RIYL: Sonic Youth, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Pretenders

Listen: www.myspace.com/kissingiseasy