This Dutch trio takes the influences of 80s alterna-pop stars and then fuzzes them into something entirely new. Ever wondered what it would be like if Jellyfish played Black Sabbath? Certain Animals doesn't mix such extremes all the time, but this is also far, far away from a pack of fizzy delights.

Certain Animals Songs to Make You Move (TCBYML)

These are the sort of people who listen to Failure and Amazing Disgrace and think "I don't think the Posies went far enough." That is, this trio is in favor of sweeter hooks and more distortion. Sometimes all at once.

If you thought the Zombies didn't kick enough ass, or maybe you wondered what the Beatles would have sounded like in the 70s, Certain Animals won't give you any answers. But those are avenues of thought to travel.

These are pop songs. They're just stuffed and prodded into extreme versions of pop songs. Certain Animals knows its history, but it also knows where it wants to go. The best thing about 80s alterna-pop was its eclectic nature. These boys have that down cold.

Jon Worley