Hear This

The Dwarves
The Dwarves are kind of like the monotonous PB and J's that Mom would pack in lunches for weeks on end. They were enjoyable enough -- never really bad, never really great, either -- but they were a mainstay of mediocrity. The Dwarves' new release, The Dwarves Are Young and Good Looking, doesn't deviate from what you've come to expect in a Dwarves album -- quick-cutting riffs, gruff vocals, and plenty of entertaining lyrical filth -- except in one important way: It could possibly be the best thing they've ever done. "I Will Deny You" and "The Ballad of Vadge Moore" stand out due not to the usual vocal content, but to a surprising show of musical ability. Chalk it up to maturity, a rehearsal or two, or maybe even guitarist Hewhocannotbenamed making that trite old deal with Beelzebub, but Young and Good Looking definitely stands out for the Dwarves as the Twinkie in the sack lunch of their career.

-- Robert Arriaga

The Dwarves play Saturday, April 12, at 10 p.m. at the Bottom of the Hill, 1233 17th St. The Criminals and Furry 66 open. Tickets are $7; call 621-4455.