Tom Lynch

Second records for bands like Nashville’s garage-punk four-piece powerhouse Be Your Own Pet are always tricky—the band’s explosion of power chords and singer Jemina Pearl’s youngster vocal howl on its self-titled debut was a muscular shot to the gut, yet with the attention the band’s received since, it wouldn’t be surprising if the band candied it up a bit for its next offering. When I got a look at the new one and saw the “Parental Advisory: Explicit Content” sticker, I was somewhat relieved. While still too glossy, “Get Awkward,” this tricky second record, keeps the band’s spirit intact and gets more ambitious with tempo changes and more complex transitions and guitar parts. That said, it’s still Pearl’s maddening swagger and infectious presence that makes Be Your Own Pet so likeable—“Now that I’m 20, I don’t want to have responsibility, I don’t want to be a part of society” she convincingly yells on opener “Super Soaked” (awesome title), and who could blame her. This band attacks, so be on the defensive. She Wants Revenge headlines.

Be Your Own Pet plays June 12 at the House of Blues, 329 North Dearborn, (312)923-2000.

(2008-06-10)

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