Cooler Kids - Punk Debutante

Ever wonder what it would sound like if the Army of Lovers and Deee-Lite joined forces to make a dance party soundtrack for "Hello Kitty" cartoons? Punk Debutante, the debut CD from the Cooler Kids, would be their invention.

With songs ranging from party anthems like "Around the World" to serious spice-girl empowerment "Life after Sex," is this CD aimed at teenagers or kitschy adults? Subtle drug references throughout the songs make me assume the latter, though "E is for Everybody" would be a great way to learn the alphabet. The Cooler Kids pays homage to pop stars before them, most notably with the Cyndi Lauper-influenced "Morning Star." Production is strong throughout the album thanks to Jill Cuniff (responsible for the rocking discofunk of Luscious Jackson) and Cooler Kid Kaz (formerly known as DJ Kazimir and responsible for the stutter beats, backspins and strong basslines).

The middle of the CD loses a bit of steam with a seemingly uninspried Kylie-esque retread ("Remember that Song" - actually no, I don't) and a throwaway ("Bali Hideaway) but the alphabet song picks things up for a fine closing third of the CD. "Sugartown" stands out as the offspring of "Groove is in the Heart" and "Funkytown," being playful yet sultry with echoed robotic vocal effects, male vocal harmonies and a sparingly used male rap adding to the boundless energy.

After listening to the CD for several days, one thing remains unclear: I don't know whether or not singer Sisely Treasure is the new Lady Miss Kier, but club kids of all ages and the Japanese are going to love this CD.