Music reviews. CD reviews. Critically hip!

If you’re ready to party, Altered State will provide the soundtrack. In their own words their new album “Get Real,” is made to be heard at Thanksgiving, BBQ’s, staff functions, housewarming parties, New Year’s Eve celebrations, birthdays, during long drives, short drives, long weekends, sex, when school’s out, spring break, graduation, family gatherings and any and all parties. In short, it is music for life and music for living.

From the first note this one makes you feel alive. In a world full of cynicism Altered State provides a breath of fresh air. Front woman Lorna Dowell makes her presence felt. You can tell she  probably grew up singing into a mirror to the likes of  Chrissie Hynde, Debbie Harry and Joan Jett. 

The music bristles with a pop punk energy that, while it may be devoured by younger party goers, it may not go over too well with your relatives at family gatherings. However, if your relatives grew up during the heyday of Alice Cooper, they are in for a treat. Altered State, apparently influenced by the Father of Shock Rock, decided to cover “Only Women Bleed.” For me it is one of the best cover songs in recent memory. With a female lead vocal there is a hint of vulnerability that was missing in the orginal. 

Other highlights on “Get Real” include the title track; the urgent anxiety of “I Need A Vacation”; a novel way to end the Iraqi conflict in “War”; and the catchy punk hooks throughout “It Wasn’t Me.” 

Altered State are a perfect fit for college radio. Let’s hope they find their way into the mainstream. This is the kind of upbeat music everyone needs to hear!