All Systems Go

Honeyrider's first album, All Systems Go!, collects several previously released singles for the U.K.-based Damaged Goods label, with additional material that was recorded specifically to expand the album to a full-length release. Songwriter and group leader Gary Strickland (who grew up in San Diego, CA) certainly has an undeniable interest in writing sun-soaked pop material inspired by the Beach Boys (though they sound nothing like them). Many of his songs have the words "summer" or "girl(s)" somewhere in the title or hook, or mention Southern California's sunny climate in some way, even if it's in a somewhat contradictory fashion (one track is called "Endless Summer," while two tracks later another is titled "Summer's Almost Gone"). Musically, the band sounds more like power pop bands from the late '70s/early '80s (20/20, the Plimsouls, Paul Collins' band, the Beat, etc.). "Drugstore Shootout" was previously issued on the Candy Floss label. ~ Bryan Thomas|