There have been multiple pop punk bands called The Cretins around the globe. So when I stumbled upon Pop Rocks and liking it right away, I had to do some research on which of The Cretins recorded this above average collection of tunes. If my information is correct, these Cretins are from Boston. The band released records on Mutant Pop, Melted and Insubordination Records in the late ’90s and early ’00s. You may also know them from their contributions to the classic Joe King curated More Bounce To The Ounce compilation on Lookout! Records.
The album cover may be a nod (or knock) to Aerosmith’s classic Rocks album, but make no mistake: The Cretins play old school pop punk on the record. If you long for ’90s pop punk (and still frequently play those Lookout! Records and Go Kart Records comps), here is a band that will scratch that itch. The Cretins have been around (and/or missing) for over 25 years, but Pop Rocks sounds like it was recorded in the heyday of ’90s pop punk. This record is full of strong melodies, crisp instrumentation and at no point sounds polished or dull. It is a record will make some waves in the pop punk scene and at the very least put a smile on fans of the genre, old and new.
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