PICK OF THE MONTH

ARMY OF PONCH >> ...SO MANY YOU COULD NEVER WIN. NO IDEA RECORDS 2002

Two officers, one road... one kick-ass band. Obviously, one of the cops has got to go.

The latest indie-rock sensation heralding from the talent-rich music dens of Gainesville, FL, Army of Ponch continues the tradition of North Florida bands like Twelve Hour Turn and Hot Water Music in crushing the derogatory genre-term “emo” under the tread of a more powerful, yet still emotive rock n’ roll sound. Armed with driving percussion and diverse-yet-uncomplicated guitar rifts, Army of Ponch more than backs up the propaganda they spread throughout each American city they tour in—stickers, T-shirts, posters, flyers—all of which sport the same, unmistakably friendly-looking face: that of legendary Officer Frank Poncherello, of CHiPS fame.

The Army’s newest release, ...So Many You Could Never Win, is sure to be a success. Songs like “Why Don’t We Meet Tonight We’ll Sit On The Porch And Sing With Our Cans Raised High Arm In Arm Singing Side To Side” (yes, that’s the title of the second track, not the complete lyrics of the entire album) bring back fond memories of such proven acts as Superchunk, while “There’s Shit On These Wings” sounds more like Modest Mouse following a long weekend spent watching Sex Pistols and GG Allin documentaries. All in all, Army of Ponch, like most indie bands, leaves a better impression when seen live, but boning up with ...So Many You Could Never Win might better prepare you for their onslaught once they hit your town.

Everyone who saw an episode of CHiPS in its glory days felt the power of The Ponch. The Italian machismo, the lady-killer smile, the “rock out wit’ ya cock out” attitude. Neither the world of law enforcement nor the world of rock music ever needed a prettyboy hack like Jon Baker. Ponch, on the other hand, supplanted everyone—Scott Baio included—as television’s public hero #1. Translated into sound, his Army is certain to have the same kind of following. -By Matt Pruett