Swain's First Bike Ride from Bay Area punkers Fifteen is an early, unrefined, but highly spirited and listenable effort from the politically outspoken group. Fans familiar with the band won't find anything on this Lookout Records release that they wouldn't expect. The music is mid-tempo, pop-leaning punk that features reckless but catchy guitar riffs and half-shouted, off-key warbling courtesy of bandleader Jeff Ott. Surprisingly, Ott's message-driven lyrics about racism and abuse are delivered more skillfully on story-driven numbers like "Someday," a track that makes a point without overstating things with every syllable. Other highlights include "The End" and "Sweet Valentine." Swain's First Bike Ride might lack some of the songwriting polish that later Fifteen releases benefit from, but it is still a solid recording that's highly recommended to fans of leftist punk. ~ Vincent Jeffries

Rovi