This new San Diego-based quartet is led by singer/guitarist John "Speedo" Reis, long a familiar figure in punk circles thanks to his work with Drive Like Jehu, Hot Snakes and Rocket From the Crypt, whose live CD/ DVD package from earlier this year closed the book on one of America's most undersung rock acts. On their debut, the Night Marchers cook at a lower temperature than did RFTC, with slower tempos and fewer punkabilly guitar freakouts; perhaps this is the sound of a black-leather lifer mellowing with age. But even if it's easy to miss the full-tilt pyrotechnics of yore, Reis' new approach allows you to appreciate his wound-tight tunecraft like never before. Dig the soul-punk shuffle of "You've Got Nerve" for proof of his continued vitality.—Mikael Wood