Gutterboy
Gutterboy (Mercury) (STAR)(STAR)(STAR)1/2
On the cover of its self-titled debut album, Gutterboy looks like a bunch of street toughs in their undershirts, leathers and combat boots, muscles bulging and attitude written all over their faces. But these five Queens, N.Y., street kids wear their hearts on their sleeves, making ”Gutterboy” an utter joy, alternately tough and tender. Besides their hearts, the group also wear their influences on their sleeves-a bit of Lou Reed on ”She Gone,”
”Darkness on the Edge of Town”-era Springsteen on ”Every Other Night”
and a bit of British punk on ”Far Away.” But in singer and chief writer Dito, the group has a passionate lyricist who isn`t afraid to show some vulnerability. Add to that killer hooks and top-notch musicianship throughout and ”Gutterboy” makes for an irresistible package.
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