Reviews of Junior Varsity
All Music Guide
"Innocent pop fun. The hi-frequencies bring on a party of crisp, midtempo
harmonies that are easy to swallow. On top of the simple texture of
surfy guitar leads, 'Junior Varsity' results in a hybrid of clean-cut,
spirited power-pop. Influences from the Replacements, the Beatles and
the Ventures are heard throughout both sides, but the hi-frequencies'
tempo and cheerful melodies stand out the most."
- Mike DaRonco, July 2000
The Teen Scene
"The hi-frequencies present 'Junior Varsity' (Teen Regime) a mellow,
almost Beat Happening number. While not as stark as I sometimes found
that band, there's definitely a touch of 'Cast A Shadow' happening.
Flip it over for the curiously titled 'Rocket Fuel.' This hardly blasts
off, although there's a definite Cold War sci-fi tone to it. In the
middle they go deep into garage-instro territory, reminding me of something
the Chesterfield Kings covered early on. I'd like to hear more tracks
like this one."
- Blair Buscareno, July 2000 (Issue #60)
Ptolemaic Terrascope
"The hi-frequencies prove themselves worthy of two very good sides of
surf and bubblegum pop with their 'Junior Varsity' 7" (from Teen Regime
Records)."
- Steve Hanson, August 2000
Multiball
"Despite potential retro-outfitting, comes off almost like raw vintage
Tom Petty, albeit sporting a nasty hiss off that high end. 'Rocket Fuel'
is a straight-up instro without too much octane. 'Junior Varsity' I
like."
- J. David Santen, Summer 2000 (Issue #20)
The Daily News, McKeesport, PA
"...'A' side is garage-y, the kind of song you might have heard the
neighborhood band playing at your high school dance in the mid-Sixties.
Nicely long flip side is in the 'Pipeline' mode, a good throwback to
the California sound of that decade, a bit spooky (as such songs tended
to be), the kind of soundtrack favored by hot-rodders...."
- David Sallinger, April 2000
In Pittsburgh Weekly
"... 'Junior Varsity' shows off their pop smarts...the unpolished power
of the performance makes it a winner. 'Rocket Fuel' proves that the
band does surf rock better than most. If you wonder why the seven-inch
format should be kept alive, the hi-frequencies have provided two good
reasons."
- Mike Shanley, December 1999
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