The Explosion - Here I am - Single Review

07 February 2005

**The Explosion

Here I am
(Virgin Records)**

After a leap into not one but three different indie labels, Boston punk rock band The Explosion have finally signed to a major without losing much of their faithful fanbase or indie sound. Single Here I am has all the clichs of a classic punk number: a less-then-3-minute-no-more-than-3 chord song, catchy choruses, fairly political (anti-Bush and anti-war, but not too much) lyrics and a frontman jumping with energy and tattoos all in the right places. It’s no surprise these young

newcomers have been touring extensively supporting bands like Good Charlotte and New Found Glory. And that the video for this track is on heavy rotation on American MTV. But what we should ask ourselves is whether this track lacks a bit of originality and despite its Buzzcock-fuelled youthful rebellion, its sing-a-long chorus and overall radio friendliness, it will rather drive The Explosion towards the mainstream or keep their energy intact. Only time will tell.

Giada Arnone