This came out in 2001 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
Their name is obviously meant to be spoken with tongue firmly planted in cheek. But Reno, Nev.’s Big in Japan sure aren’t kidding about the title of their debut disc Destroy the New Rock.
This popcore trio are staging a one-band offensive against the virulent strains of nu-metal and bubblegum infecting the airwaves. Their weapons of choice: The vintage buzzsaw power chords, carbonated melodies, stacks of harmonies and fist-pumping ’70s rock of bands like Cheap Trick and Urge Overkill. Toss in a few dashes of ’80s new wave piss ’n’ vinegar and song titles like Dig That Stupid Sound, New Dead Boyfriend and Spit and Spite, and you’ve got a band that might just end up living up to its silly name. Meet the new rock — same as the old rock.
