The "Glitter & Grime" that Waxapples (http://www.waxapples.com) refer to in the album title sounds like Los Angeles to me. I can't think of a better way to describe a city that is the perfect balance of glamour and violence. In a way, it captures Waxapples' own juggling act, a male/female combination that is equal parts aggressive guitar rock and lipstick-smeared pop.
The ghost of X haunts some of the terrain that Waxapples journey into. "Lucky Stars" is like a more toe-tapping makeover of that legendary L.A. punk band. The influence is there, without a doubt. But Waxapples cannot be judged by a single paint brush. "Cheap" strays into No Doubt territory with its swirling keyboards and Modern Rock riffs while the bouncy "Friends With Benefits" (with its catchy line, "I want to be friends with you/Friends with benefits") is a college-radio anthem waiting to happen.
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"Glitter & Grime" is a fun, entertaining record in a world of gloom and angst; the band appears to be thoroughly enjoying themselves, providing uplifting and charming performances that remind us of how good and appealing Southern California groups can be. If Social Distortion married the Go-Go's and had children, the offspring would certainly taste like Waxapples.
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