Dead Ends & Girlfriends

No one can accuse Allister of lacking energy or hooks, as their debut album Dead Ends and Girlfriends proves. Sure, it isn't musically revolutionary -- it's the sort of catchy punk-pop that's been more or less in vogue throughout the mid- to late-'90s -- but it does deliver a tuneful rush of adrenaline for fans of the style. The only issue is whether you'll tune in to the band's sense of humor or not -- some might find it a little juvenile and obvious (although others will enjoy the mocking Backstreet Boys cover regardless).