It took two years for The Alarms to get their debut album, "Real Tough Love" release-ready, because good stuff takes time and most things music always, always take much longer that one expects. However, listening to the title track (thanks to their label, Science Camp Records) makes those two years completely worth it. There’s a strong ’60 rock sound to it, from the organ and the tone of the fuzz on their guitars, but it’s dished out with the energy of a basement full of punk rockers. The Alarms got some love from Lighting 100 earlier this year, and for plenty of good reasons: they’re distinct, coming across as a really aggressive version of the Kinks, and they can get it done in less than 2.5 minutes. And they have tons of personality. Their album release show takes place at The Stone Fox this Saturday, with No Regrets Coyote, Bear in the Campsite, Jordan Hull and Juliana rounding out the bill. It is sure to be a stellar night of music, and a steal at only a $5 cover. -Terra James-Jura
