It is easy to compare Rochester, NY's Atomic Swindlers to the glam heyday of David Bowie and the stylish punk of Blondie, but listen to the disc closely and another comparison begins to emerge. Coming Out Electric is also reminiscent of early-mid '90s alternative rock. Think of a less ska influenced, more introspective No Doubt or a slightly happier Garbage on a stricter recording budget and you're getting close to the tones and sounds the band creates. When the '90s retro movement kicks in to high gear (and you know it's just around the corner), The Atomic Swindlers are primed to be at the forefront. Forget all those Gang Of Four knock-offs making the scene today, Coming Out Electric is the future sound of retro. But labeling the band as a kitschy throwback doesn't give them enough credit. Any band that would sound as comfortable covering The Pixies as the entirety of the Rocky Horror Picture Show soundtrack is on the cutting edge.

Brad Filicky