Review by Doug Cornell

Tired of work? Sick of the boss?  Pissed off at the President? Put the new Hot Snakes album Audit in Progress in your iPod and you may find a few moments of release from the day's routine annoyances.

Audit in Progress is a mature collection of very edgy modern punk.  Mature in the sense that the songs aren't written for teenage hormone factories.  Instead, the songs are performed with an honest anger that can really get one's blood to boil.

Powerful yet melodic blasts of electric guitar make Audit in Progress a very listenable affair.  While vocalist Rick Froberg wails the vocals in a post-Johnny Rotten scream, the guitars and drums create what could best be described as "Interpol on steroids."  On nearly every track, the guitars by John Reis and Forberg careen into an amazing chord progression that leaves you with your jaw on the floor.  It's difficult to describe the lyrical content.  The song titles suggest grand themes, such as "Kreative Kontrol" or the topical "Think About Carbs."  Mostly the singing is used for effect, but you catch the odd verse within the mayhem.

Once you hear the blistering title track or other standout songs like "Hatchet Job" or "Reflex" you'll understand the brilliance within the Hot Snakes.

Some may wonder about the album art, which is basically a pirate kicking a soccer ball.  Well, since pirates are all the rage these days, and since soccer is the best team sport ever created, it's time to give the Hot Snakes a hearty slap on the back for combining the two vital cultural icons.