Apelife

The only unfortunate thing about the "Natural Selections," the debut release from Apelife, is that it only lasts 25 minutes. Consisting of longtime Knoxville singer/songwriter/guitarist Todd Steed, bassist Ed Richardson and drummer Matt Richardson, Apelife is tight and economical. The group's songs fit well alongside the Steed oeuvre -- that is, songs created with the now legendary Smokin' Dave and the Premo Dopes and the Opposable Thumbs. Steed continues to mature, but, thankfully, not too much. There's still a punk sensibility in the lyrics, melodies and in Steed's what-the-heck occasional sour-note vocals. The best treats include the driving "Goin' Out Tonight" and Steed's tribute to the unspoiled charms of "North Knoxville." To order or hear samples of the disc, visit the label's Web site: www.disgraceland.com