Recorded at Kraptone Studios, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Personnel: Eric Bachmann (vocals, guitar); Matt Gentling (vocals); Eric Johnson (guitar); Mark Price (drums).

Recording information: Kraptone Studios, Chapel Hill, NC.

Archers of Loaf is one of the bands from "America's heartland"--in its case, North Carolina--that is keeping the fires of raw punk rock/rock & roll burning. Two guitars, bass, and drums, complete with a singer that sounds like he's worn his voice down singing/shouting along to the early Replacements, Husker Du, and Sugar records. "Might" has the rough, yowling elan of pre-LET IT BE Replacements and "Fat" roars with a surly energy that makes the Smashing Pumpkins sound like Ricky Martin. Which is not to say these fellows don't have a gentle side--the grungy semi-ballad "Hate Paste" has a really nice acoustic guitar motif that is flavored by Irish folk and Delta blue strains. Those who like the shambling power of the early albums by Buffalo Tom and the aforementioned bands should give METTLE a try.