Local spins

Daughters of Fission
‘Daughters of Fission’

There’s no mistaking Daughters of Fission’s bleak sound for radio-friendly pop. It’s reminiscent of misery masters Tool, but lacking the vocal command and intensity of Tool’s singer Maynard James Keenan. Hints of DoF’s range are found on “Open Invitation” — a brief up-tempo reprieve from the album’s monotonous, dirge-like atmosphere. That track is followed by an intriguing, gender-bending cover of Portishead’s “Glory Box,” offering a male perspective to Beth Gibbons’ lament on womanhood.

DoF don’t stray too far from their influences, however, resulting in an occasionally promising but mostly tuneless and joyless disc. They struggle to achieve a gloomy rock ideal but only end up hinting at it. The Daughters definitely distinguish themselves from the emo/punk-dominated local scene, but just being different isn’t enough. C

Next show: 7:30 p.m. Friday at Phix Gallery, 1113 N.W. Grand Ave., Phoenix. Info: . Free, all ages.
Web site: www.daughtersoffission.com

— by Albert Ching, Get Out

Labor Party
‘Graffiti and Glass’

A self-styled “dirty punk and roll band,” Labor Party combines old school punk and elements of ’60s garage rock on their explosive third release in just the past two years. Led by guitarist/vocalist Frank Labor and rounded out by Sharon Labor on bass and drummer Brian Machay, Labor Party kicks the disc off with “Gris Gris,” a supercharged slice of riff-fueled aggression that sounds like punk progenitors MC5, complete with a catchy chorus and Frank’s searing slide guitar solo.

Standout tracks include “I Gotta Life,” a tune similar to the Modern Lovers’ oft-covered classic “Roadrunner,” and “Fine You Find,” an acoustic garage rock tune that sounds like the best song The Seeds never wrote. Armed with a bevy of strong tunes, a tight rhythm section, and the sonic riffing of Frank Labor, this release nicely separates Labor Party from the rest of the AZPunk pack. B+

Next show: 9 p.m. Saturday at Jugheads, 5150 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix. Info: . $5.
Web site: www.laborparty3.com

— by Chris Holly, Get Out