The Phenomenauts: For All Mankind
(Silver Sprocket)
release: April 8, 2008
style: campy sci-fi punk pop rock punkabilly
similar: Go Robot Go!, Man or Astroman?, the Aquabats!
[rating: **] This West coast act wears outfits from a Star Trek spoof and headgear that must have been manufactured in their kitchens. For All Mankind's sci-fi electricity is powered with stand-up bass, arena rock riffs and futurama synth. It's obviously meant to be campy, and a little too much so, leading to second hand gimmicking and shout-alongs. Once those issues are set aside, the entertainment value of their live show can at least be appreciated. -Kenyon