Introducing Cadallaca

Move over, Shangri-Las. There's a new girl gang in town. They call themselves Kissy, Dusty, and Junior, but everyone knows that the girls in Cadallaca are Corin Tucker from Sleater-Kinney and Sarah Dougher and sts from the Lookers. Taking on new identities is a thematic strain for Cadallaca. Not only have they rechristened themselves, they have also gone far afield of their other bands. Cadallaca is a girl group in the old-fashioned sense of the word: close harmonies, Farfisa-driven tunes, and attitude applied like fresh red lipstick. But don't expect the same old brokenhearted subjects. "June-n-July" is a word-crammed story of brave young warriors, but as opposed to the Shirelles song, these soldier boys are girls! The creaky, haunted-house organ of "Night Vandals" sets the tone for this bizarre stalker's lament. Lo-fi production can be a burden on some bands, but here it is perfect for the retro appeal. Cadallaca: the world's first grrrl group. --Lois Maffeo