The Donnas: the Donnas turn 21

The bubblegum rock approach of the Donnas' debut album rears its head again on the new track "Drivin' Thru My Heart." No other band could toss coy pop charm, metal attitude, and suburban California teen culture together, rhyme the words "sorta" and "aorta," and still create an unpretentious masterpiece about getting dumped at the strip mall minimart while your cruel ex-boyfriend drives off in his Land Rover. But the Donnas can, and they're back with their fourth full-length, The Donnas Turn 21, another hedonistic romp through seedy nightclubs, hotel parties, and rock 'n roll crimes.

While still effortlessly hip and stylin', Turn 21 lacks the punch and novelty of the band's earlier releases. Unfortunately, most of the album does not drive through our hearts like the opening track. Instead, it stalls in the midst of a raucous road trip, relying on an onslaught of guitar and attitude to finish the record.

Turn 21 captures a slowed-down, metallic Donnas sound. From four girls who proudly proclaim their love for hard rock and metal, it comes as no surprise that the edgy, distorted riffs of "Midnite Snack," accompanied by Donna A.'s raunchy sass, underscore the influence of the Runaways. The band has studied its rock lessons well enough that Donna R.'s outrageous guitar solo in "Gimme a Ride" would garner respect from Ace Frehley. The Donnas continue their tradition of updating and improving metal classics, with a standout cover of Judas Priest's "Living After Midnight." The group walks a fine line, however, and falls victim to sounding derivative at times.

Aging has changed little other than the title of this latest soundtrack to careless rebellion. As The Donnas Turn 21 shows, maturity has merely moved the Donnas' party from their parents' garage to their own apartment. (Lookout!) —Julia Kripke

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