First off, how can you not love a band named Yuck? How rock-n-roll is that name?

This multinational four-piece have just put out their debut CD, self-titled of course, and it's a real corker. All the prominent aspects of 1990s rock are here in full force. Now, the track I'm presenting is perhaps the odd duck on the album. Most cuts are deeply in debt to Dinosaur Jr., Gish-era Smashing Pumpkins, and Nirvana. Lots of distorted, overdriven guitar, prominent baselines, and sludgy rhythms. Oh, and effects pedals galore. If you were a fan of indie rock (before the whole grunge thing took over), you'll probably find a whole lot to like on Yuck's album.

But then there's "Shook Down." This one is a big wet smooch to vintage Teenage Fanclub. The ringing guitar lines are as bright and cheerful, and the boy-girl harmonies are almost as crisp as anything you'll hear from Norman Blake and the guys. But, Yuck being Yuck, the last five seconds offer up a little curl of feedback. Having proven they can do a great ballad, of sorts, the next track on the disc takes you right back to the roar. Count me as big fan of this young act. They aren't yucky at all.

On iTunes: Yuck / "Shook Down"