With their major-label debut,
Save Ferris attempts to distinguish itself from the legions of late-'90s ska-punks by adding a touch of swing, lifted from
the Squirrel Nut Zippers, which makes them a novelty. Like their peers, though, they have a tendency to wallow in smirking "irony" -- their ham-fisted cover of
Dexys Midnight Runners' "Come On Eileen" is embarrassing, and there's no need for a song called "Spam" -- which may sound good in concert, but it sinks on record. Still, there are a few signs that
Save Ferris could break away from the pack. Lead vocalist
Monique Powell has energy and charisma, while guitarist/songwriter
Brian Mashburn can occasionally write a strong hook, as on "Superspy" or "The World Is New." ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine