Agent 51
“The Red and the Black”
(Surfdog Records)
There will always be a thriving market for cute boys that play rock music. This natural trend leaves the door open for pop-punk acts to jump on the train and give it a ride. Now boarding: San Diego punk rockers Agent 51. Though low on originality, these boys dress the part in their full-on rock n’ roll attire, accessorized to perfection. “She’s My Heroine” has been no stranger to the airwaves, prompting action in the 14-year old girl community. I witnessed the phenomenon personally at 91.1 X-Fest at Coors Amphitheatre in mid-June.
It was no shocker to see the sea of bouncing ponytails in motion, singing along with Agent’s catchy, animated performance. Their newest release, “The Red and the Black,” definitely blends a range of classical rock influences, but fails to diversify enough to stand their own. The edgy punk flavor almost makes up for their clear lack of identity, almost. Agent 51 won’t break any molds in the punk-rock genre, but the consistent riffs and overall energy both live and on disc have room to grow.
