Comprised of former Kill Sadie, Red Light Go and Calvin Krime members, Shotgun Monday is a pretty experienced band, even if this is their debut full-length. Shoot, maybe that's how they got the ultimate billing of opening for Shellac on November 18 at First Avenue. But I'd wager the anthemic, yet raw, post post-punk sounds of "Read Compare Adjust" had something to do with it.

On the album's opening track, "Resting Vessel," guitarist/vocalist John Kelson's strained voice, somehow simultaneously throaty and shrill, sputters like a rock caught under a whirring lawnmower blade. It's a polarizing moment, but it's not quite a get in or get out, all or nothing sort of deal. Upon first listen, I thought it showed promise for the album as a whole, but I was by no means hooked. No, that came further down the line. I think it was the final minute of "Joli Rouge" which really tickled my interest, but it was the anthemic ringing guitar riffage on "Osceole" that really sealed the deal.

While some may find Kelson's vocals unsettling, perhaps even grating, for me, I just think, okay, this guy's doing something different here – and something different is always a good foundation. Sure, there's a healthy dose of At the Drive-In in their sound, particularly in the guitars and drums, but I can't think of anyone else who sings like Kelson does. So yeah, you might hate it, but if you're a fan of loud aggressive rock who can appreciate passionate and slightly off-key vocals, you might dig it hard, real hard.

I've got this old saying, "If it goes down smooth it ain't worth drinkin.'" With that in mind, "Read Compare Adjust" is a swallow you can feel proud of. CMJ

myspace.com/shotgunmonday