The Sounds Wrong EP is comprised of five flippant stabs at husky, country- tinged punk rock from the "best punk rock band San Francisco has to offer" (as awarded by the Bammies). Originally released in 1995 by IFA records, this short but generally sweet package is receiving a fresh push, with extra wide distribution, courtesy of Fat Mike and his fastidious crew.

"The Dirty Sea" unleashes this tragicomic albumette into the world with a brooding look at the Pacific Ocean. The lone gazer of the lyrics seems to echo Emerson's famous line, "Nature wears the colors of the spirit," as he comments on his own inward sense of dirtiness. "Stupid Lullabies" brandishes its Social Distortion influences with pride while presenting a less- than- perfect portrait of father/ son relationships. Slightly variant perspectives on love are offered by "L.O.V.E. I Hate You" and "Greg's Love Song," with the former being the more adamant and anthemic of the two. "Sounds Wrong/ Devious Means" watches as these surrogate cowboys ride into the sunset, unfortunately providing a dull bookend for this otherwise enjoyable short release.

The entire disc clocks in at just over 14 minutes, which qualifies it as the musical equivalent of a Big Grab bag of Cheetos-- the snack is damn good, but it gets that blanket of super- orange filth all over your fingers. But be careful not to underestimate the power of a snack both in terms of isolated satisfaction and also preparation for a much more gratifying meal.

-Kevin Ruggeri