Originally released last year by indie label File 13, Fall of the Plastic Empire has been reissued by V2 while this Philadelphia combo works on its label debut. And while the Brides aren’t exactly brimming with original ideas (the Stooges, Nirvana, and the Pixies are clear reference points), Fall sounds pretty great blaring out of the speakers. Guitarist/vocalist Dimitri Coats and bassist Melanie Campbell rock out with tangible exuberance on such tracks as “Plank of Fire,” “Arctic Fire,” and “Elevator.” Coats rarely skimps on melody, testing out a variety of singing styles (he can scream in key!) and littering a handful of tunes with spoken-word snippets. The uptempo material works best, as the band gets bogged down by lethargic pacing on songs like “Blood on the Highway” and “At the Levity Ball.” Still, with garage-inspired rock’n’roll all the rage, Burning Brides should continue to find favor with headbangers everywhere.—JC