In the spirit of Transvision Vamp, Sigue Sigue Sputnik, or any other number of alternative manufactured pop acts, Republica let loose this broad salvo of feisty and spunky tunes. By topping and tailing the LP with the same song ("Ready To Go", albeit different mixes), Republica recognise their strength - as a power-pop singles band. "Ready To Go" is a classic of angry female vocals, thundering techno bass and drums and guitars, keyboards and effects, all mixed up to provide a bubblegum 3-minute treat. Stretching this formula over a whole LP is a bit riskier, and Republica's debut does begin to get old quick, and by "Bitch", the third song in, you start to think you've heard all they have to offer. Whilst this is to some extent true, Republica's formulaic style can produce some absolute gems - "Bloke", "Picture Me" and "Drop Dead Gorgeous" all conjuring up a mighty techno-punk tornado and letting it loose inside your stereo.

Republica, fashioned from members of N-Joi, Bow Wow Wow and Flowered Up are fronted by the inimtable Saffron, an energetic and enthusiastic vocalist with the word "star" written all over her. At times sounding a little too close to Toyah or Hazel O'Connor for comfort (not helped by the new-wave style backing of songs like "Bitch"), she is nevertheless a formidable frontperson for the band and does the job well. Some of the tunes work better than others, some treading the aforementioned murky new-wave regions, the best being an effective fusion of energetic dance, punk and pop.

Lyrically, Republica aren't looking for any awards, which is just as well given lines such as the cringe-inducing "I want to get off with you". Rather, they are the classic Good Time Band - just out for a laugh and to make one or two good tunes and a bit of money in the process. This they have achieved, and "Republica" is a good LP to play in the car, or is great to play before going out for the night, but is no classic. Play it loud, but just don't think about it too much.