The traditional and profoundly conservative city of Cincinnati, Ohio, isn't exactly regarded as a world-renowned musical hotbed. So it's especially hard to imagine the soaring melodies of Fizzgig emerging from such a creatively oppressive climate. 'You Can't Have Me' is full of the kind of summery pop-rock goodness that Rivers Cuomo has had trouble penning ever since the commercial (but certainly not artistic), failure of Weezer's 1996 sophomore album Pinkerton.

Each of the three tracks contain more hooks than an Olympic fishing final, from the flawless pop-punk of 'You Can't Have Me', the upbeat harmonies of 'Star Tonight' to the unhurried, simplicity of the All American Rejects-esque 'In It'.

Punk purists will of course, detest this undeniably commercial single, but that's their problem. On this evidence, Fizzgig have the quality to bypass kindred spirits, Fountains Of Wayne and Hellogoodbye and join Fall Out Boy straight in the pop-punk major leagues.

Rating: 4/5 by Dan Jones

Tracklisting

1. You Can't Have Me
2. Star Tonight
3. In It

Further links

Fizzgig online.com

Online home of Ohio pop-rockers