Rock What You Got (CD - 2008)

Personnel: Matt Dally, Melissa Brock (vocals, guitar); Tricia Brock, Breezy Baldwin (vocals); Max Hsu (guitar, piano, keyboards, synthesizer); Dave Ghazarian (guitar, piano); Caitlin Evanson, David Davidson (violin); Sally Williams (viola); Claire Indie (cello); Brandon Estelle (drums).

Audio Mixers: Lee Bridges; F. Reid Shippen.

Recording information: Little Big Sound, Nashville, TN; The Basement, North Brunswick, NJ; The Bonus Room, Franklin, TN; The Castle, Franklin, TN; Vibe 56.

Illustrator: Jody Nilsen.

Photographers: Max Hsu; Breezy Baldwin.

Superchick have been garnering a considerable fanbase in Christian circles, as they combine the sass of Avril Lavigne with the punk-tinged hooks of fellow Chicagoans Fallout Boy, all while serving it up to the Lord. ROCK WHAT YOU GOT, their 2008 release, utilizes piano, synths, and electronic textures to create a soaring, near-symphonic sound that speaks as much to the band's messages of hope, faith, and worship as any particular lyrical conceit. Meanwhile, the diversity of sound streaming through ROCK WHAT YOU GOT, and the universality of its message, should set the stage for considerable cross-over appeal as well.

Fans know what to expect from Superchick: female-fronted rock that hits you over the head with themes of self-empowerment (lest you doubt, try to name a time when you have seen lead vocalist Tricia Brock not wielding a megaphone). That's not necessarily a bad thing, particularly when the amps are turned to overdrive and the sound is infused with catchy pop electronica, as is the case on the band's fourth album. Rock What You Got offers few surprises but lots of fun. Beauty from Pain, their previous album, delved into heartaches of all sizes and shapes. Now seemingly on the mend, the band's style and lyrics once again have a peppy, young vibe that aims squarely at pre-teens, especially...you guessed it...pre-teen girls. The guitars are relentless and the bass blasts heavier than ever, but the air remains positive. Despite the strength of individual songs, there is no cohesive core to unite them. The album sounds rather like it was crafted for the iPod generation, one download at a time. Without a tangible theme, the album loses a bit of its vigor and begins to feel all too familiar. This in spite of the fact that it barely runs half-an-hour from start to finish. If you enjoy downloading, though, don't miss the title track, the hauntingly airy "Breathe," and guitarist Dave Ghazarian's indulgently beautiful guitar solo at the end. ~ Jared Johnson minimize