The world of pop rock has not had a good year in 2001. Outside of Weezer, it’s been second rate chancers like Alkaline Trio clogging up the play-list for all things smile-orientated. So, quite how Fenix *TX have managed to pull off a record as storming as Lechuza is anyone’s guess. The Fenix boys have managed to write an album choc-a-block with soaring pop melodies, hard-hitting guitars and a real smash-and-grab attitude that manages to insert some much needed attitude into their collective mix. Gone is the wish-wash Pop-punk noise of old, and in it’s place stands a sleek, well-oiled rock act with the willingness to take on all comers with arms outstretched and fists clenched.

In a world where the term ‘Punk’ has been made redundant and everyone has there own misconstrued perception of what it means, Fenix *TX have simply given up trying to fit into a scene and replaced the intent to blend with a bunch of well-crafted tunes. If a comparison was to be made, it would be with the Foo Fighters. Both bands have the ability to write heart melting ballads and also manage to write gritty anthems packed full of aggression. Indeed the punchy ‘Something Bad Is Gonna Happen’ sounds like the sort of alcohol-fueled, last gang in town track that the Wildhearts would be proud of, while ‘Tearjerker’ sounds like the soundtrack to the perfect night with the love of your life, all delicate vocals and yearning lyrics with a particularly poignant ‘The stars still spell out your name’ refrain. That’s not to suggest that the albums over-flowing with sensitivities, ‘Phoebe Cates’ is a right-handed ode to the actress of the same name and ‘Threesome’ provides the hit-single-in-waiting element with a massive chorus that’ll leave Blink 182 wishing they’d have got there first.

If you miss the likes of 3 Colours Red, then this is your album. Three minute tunes that don’t beat around the bush as much as clobber you ‘round the head. Not a record that’ll change your life but it’s the sort of thing you want to hear before you go out on a Saturday night with your mates. It’s not big, it’s not clever but it will smack a gigantic smile on your face and for that alone, we are grateful.