As a result of the group's combustible combination of high fashion and low-down dirty rock, a fair number of lonely souls might end up nursing wildly unrealistic, alcohol-fueled dreams of making Venus and bassist Camille Hendren their Valentines. Still, boyfriends who plead "I want to go for the music" should be given more credit than caught-in-the-act porno hoarders who blurt, "I'm reading it for the articles." The Stretchmarxxx blends rock-star stage presence with perky riot grrrl assertiveness, as if Courtney Love and Kathleen Hanna had decided to collaborate on sloppy, simple songs instead of brawling backstage. These sexy pistols can provide the enchanted-evening crowd with the perfect antidote to a few hours spent in a stuffy restaurant, as well as offering cathartic thrills for sullen singles.
