Theo and the Skyscrapers

Punk rock grrrl Theo (ex-Lunachicks) Kogan bounces back with a brand-new band and a sexy dance sound. Theo and the Skyscrapers, which includes ex-Toilet Boys co-conspirator Sean Pierce (guitar), Chris Kling (drums), and Dimitry Makhnovsky (bass), roll through 11 infectious mini-dance anthems on their independent debut. It's spontaneous and snarky, with the flair of Blondie ("First Bleach") and the cheeky chic of Missing Persons ("End of Time").

However, Kogan doesn't forget her punk roots entirely. Songs such as "Down the Hole" and "Not Alone" perfectly capture Kogan's brash eccentricity. It's great to see her back on the scene, albeit in a slicker vein than the Lunachicks. Nonetheless, this album offers a little for everyone, from the broken-hearted firestarters "Doppelganger Death Disco" and "Say It Again" to the riotous playfulness of "Lay It Out." Theo and the Skyscrapers proves that Kogan's tough and more than good enough to hold sway in this boys' club.