In an age where just being a rock-and-roll band seems to never be enough for those who spot trends, real rock-and-roll bands are needed more than ever. And the Gaza Strippers come to the rescue on their debut disc, LACED CANDY. Former Didjits frontman Rick Sims has joined forces with three top notch musicians to wax an album that will please his fans and sound fresh to those underwhelmed by current rock fashion. The crisp snare drums and steady bass on the intro to "Automat" are a harbringer of the stellar rhythm section of drummer Cory Stateler and Darren Hooper. And "Automat" is one of many tunes that confirm that Sims can write a bad-ass, four-on-the-floor rocker with the best of them (see also "C'mon Join The Ride", "Throttle Bottom", "Missile Command" for further proof). The sound here is an extension of the Didjits -- fast tempos that aren't so fast that they become monotonous hardcore, and adrenalized guitar riffs and stinging leads that show that you can be simulataneously inspired by Kiss and Buzzcocks. Which isn't to say that the band is merely a copy. Not only is the rhythm section superlative, but Mike Hodgekiss more than holds his own on guitar. A lot of guitarists might have shrunk at the challenge of playing with a wild man like Sims, but Hodgekiss shines in his own right, and adds to the powerhouse effect of the band. In addition to the expected rockers, there are some nice detours: "Brainwasher" is slinky sci-fi trash, with throbbing work from Hooper; "Ape" features some creative guitar work in the verses, and a Dickies-after-a-hit-of-testosterone chorus; and "Dear Mr. Hubble" is one of Sims's best songwriting achievements, with a strong melody and some relatively contemplative lyrics that stay within his well-established persona. And stick around for the finale, a tour-de-force break down of Love and Rockets's "Yin And Yang The Flower Pot Man" which showcases the excellence of this band. Grab this now, and say you were into the Gaza Strippers from the beginning. (BTW, this reviewer gives the LP 4 1/2 stars, but that option isn't available upon submission).