Brassy: got it made

Brassy thinks it's the shit. In fact, that's the favorite subject of these hip-hop-meets-garage-band action heroes—explaining that they're the world's best band. Half the songs on their debut, Got It Made, combine punk guitars and turntables with the aim of establishing superiority over all contenders. It's flat out obnoxious, but Brassy makes this a good thing.

Powered by the cheerleader-from-hell energy of frontwoman Muffin Spencer, Brassy is as wild as any band her brother Jon ever led, but Muffin aims to "take you places they dare not go," as she deadpans in one song. She raps, sings, and plays guitar, joined by second guitarist Stefan Gordon and backed by Karen Frost, who can simultaneously "play bass, shout, and chew gum." Jonny Barrington drums and works the turntables as his alter ego, DJ Swett.

They're a daunting foursome who vow to kick your ass if you don't dance now. Each song takes Muffin's smart-mouthed lyrics, DJ Swett's versatile scratching, and some obvious influence—be it riot grrrl or answering machine—and crams it all into two minutes of insanity. While the 17 songs range from garage punk to the swankiest hip-hop singing, the tracks in mid-spectrum are most fun. "No Competition" has turntable scratching answering every guitar hook before you can blink, while Muffin raps, "Nothing can compete/With the B-R-A-double-S-Y beat!" "Work it Out," the lead-off single, offers a fair definition of the inimitable Brassy sound, with Swett's decks cutting in perfectly amidst the band's antics.

Brassy has cut several singles, but Got it Made is its first full-length album. March will bring an American tour, so put Got It Made on the stereo and get dancing. (Beggars' Banquet) —Leslie Kuo

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