by Richie UnterbergerMega City Four's debut is energetic yet monotonous punk with a pop edge, or perhaps that should be new wave with a punk edge. The songs charge forth with fuzzy, rapidly chorded guitars; the upbeat vocals are buttressed by anthemic harmonies, and the lyrics are the thoughts of young men searching for ways to solidify their identity while maintaining integrity. A little layer of minor melody in this setup works wonders for making individual songs like"Paper Tiger" and"Alternative Arrangements" stand out a little, as do some sweet-sour harmonies on"Stupid Way to Die." Unlike many a band working the pop-punk divide, there's a likable earnestness to the vocals that's under-served by the rather cookie-cutter structures of the material. It's the sound of a band that just digs the hell out of getting an alternative club audience dancing with consistently mid- to up-tempo numbers, but has little appreciation for the variations of pace and mood necessary to sustain interest on a recorded album.