Sometimes we think we're too cool for school and think maybe Chixdiggit were overrated... but then we find ourselves in Tokyo, walking into a shop full of bargains, and "Welcome to the Daiso" immediately brings itself into our heads. And we realize, truly, Chixdiggit are one of the greatest ever. [img width=596px]//7ca49eb9f67ba1319ef136f9d52cd8b8.cdn.bubble.io/f1775929878160x349703605047068100/richtext_content.jpeg[/img] [h2]CHIXDIGGIT [/h2] [h3]Pink Razors [/h3] Fat Wreck Chords [i]See these Calgary favourites on tour this summer with Me First and the Gimme Gimmes. [/i] The Humped EP by Chixdiggit was the first local release I ever bought. It was on cassette. (Remember cassettes? Wait a minute, do you remember Chixdiggit?) I was surprised to hear that these pop-punk masters had a new album out, but even though they've been out of the spotlight, they haven't gone to seed. Over the last 13 years, their revolving lineup has pushed the boundaries of three chords and pop cul- ture references, and Pink Razors changes things up again. Former drummer Dave Alcock relinquishes the kit in favour of working the studio with Russ Broom, and as a result, the album plays to all of the band's strengths. In the past you could have dismissed them as a knock-off of The Ramones (albeit one of the most charming you will ever see), but that only touches on one side of the band. The younger crew might think they sound like Green Day, and with all the chunky chording and sweet melodies, you'd be right. But now, Chixdiggit don't sound like anyone but themselves. The strangled guitar solos, the hints of '80s metal, the anthemic key changes and the way the songs blow wide open in the verses - these are the band's trademarks. Of course, riding on top of it all are K.J. Jansen's stories of love, touring, shopping (basically whatever he wants - I remember when he tried to write a song about John Tesh, for Chrissake). Doing it all with a smirking love of cultural iconography ("J. Crew" is not only a perfect summer hit, but the best song ever about dating outside your demographic), Pink Razors rips it up and tears it down with strong but simple songs, perfect backing shouts and a great sense of humour. The band may be getting older, but mercifully, you'd never know it from this record. By the way, if you're still not sold, the hidden bonus material on the album offers track-by-track commentary from Broom and the band about the recording process. Genius. JASON LEWIS
