Betty Goo, a three piece band fronted by longtime Boston presence Aaron Tap, wastes no time at all getting down to business with their latest release Gooicide. Opening track "Buzz" kicks off with ten seconds of lone guitar and some nifty harmony vocals weaving in and out of eachother, before putting the pedal to the floor for some straight ahead first class heavy Pop. I hear Cheap Trick, Ramones and (no joke) the Knack. There are power chords, some great textural guitar work, and hooks to spare. All packed into 1:40. And a full middle-eight - go figure. I guess when all the fat is trimmed that's about the time it takes to hit 'em over the head with the hook.
   Sort of a concept album, in the sense that Gooicide was born of a "morbid fascination with (band) self destruction," this release deals lyrically with self-deprecating rumination on the inevitable death of 99% of the rock bands out there. Envisioning their own demise seems to have provided the impetus for a "pre-death rebirth," if such a thing exists. Track two, "Waste," opens up with some Matthew Sweet-ish half-time chordal work and the line, "I can hardly wait until the time when I can call myself an almost was." The ponderous tone of the first lines gives way to an uptempo dive into a challenging double time hook that gets better with every listen. Betty Goo have this going for them, their hooks have that rare commodity: "growth potential." Most instantly memorable tunes have one thing in common, that familiar tendency to be totally unbearable after the fifth listen. Betty Goo's tunes have a cool staying power.
   "Herve Villechaize" showcases the band's facility with well-constructed power-pop. Tight drumming by Chad and rolling bass guitar by Doug anchor yet another testament to Betty Goo's mastery of the well constructed pop tune. Gooicide is packed with 18 slices of deftly handled material. There are no surprises here, and if challenging "left of center" sonic exploration is your thing then Gooicide is not for you. on the other hand, if you still get that lovely, titillating adrenaline rush when you hear loud guitars and familiar tunes, well my friend, we have just the medicine.
   Songs like "The Fool" and "Bright Side" mix things up with acoustic guitars and some great falsetto singing. "Another Relapse" continues in the slower, confessional style that gives the straightforward numbers added punch when they hit. "When I was younger, smack (sic)  was all I needed, and now I can hardly open my mouth to breathe." "Whether it's food or thought, I can't seem to keep anything down." For anybody wondering, there are heroin survivors. Look around, you probably know one.
   Gooicide is the second release from Betty Goo. The band has opened for national acts such as Better Then Ezra, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Murphy's Law, and Green Apple Quick Step. They participated in WBCN's Rock and Roll Rumble, already completed as you read this.

(Scott Chesley)