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Female punk-rock quartet Civet is a refreshing change of pace--yet surprisingly like male counterparts

Date published: 11/20/2008

BY GORDON PHILLIPS

In the typically male-dominated genre of punk rock, Civet sticks out.

An all-female, self-declared "femme fatale" punk band from Los Angeles, Civet dishes out aggressive punk rock reminiscent of Rancid.

The band recently released "Hell Hath No Fury" on Hellcat Records. The album kicks off with "Alibis," a fast and angry song about "breaking hearts and telling lies." The voice of lead singer "Ms. Liza Graves" is very comparable to that of Rancid's vocalist Lars Frederiksen. Graves' singing style is so rough and coarse that, if I had not seen the album cover, I would have had no idea that the singer was a female. The punk-rock formula is followed precisely with fast beats, distorted guitars and torn vocals.

The songs themselves, having been written by women, bring a very different perspective to punk rock. They are not all about girl trouble and smashing the state, but instead pertain to things such as leaving boyfriends.

While the songs may have different themes, the usual punk motif of drinking is referenced in "Gin and Tonic," a song written by bass player Jacqui Valentine about the fact that she'd "rather be alone than waste my life with you."

The album has many stand-out tracks and things that set it apart from other bands--however, the songs all seem to sound very similar. Almost all the songs are at the same punk-rock speed, and the tunes all seem to fade together.

All in all, "Hell Hath No Fury" is a good addition to any classic-punk-rock collection, and should not be missed.

Gordon Phillips is a senior at Stafford High School.

What: Civet opens for Aiden at an all-ages show. Where: The Canal Club, 1545 E. Cary St., Richmond When: Sunday, 6 p.m. Cost: $11 to $13 Info: 804/643-2582 Web: thecanalclub.com

Date published: 11/20/2008