Fur Coats- Gumballs in the Meritocracy LP.  Second LP from the Fur Coats who contain ex members of No Empathy, Guided by Voices, Direct Hit and the Traitors. First up, I love listening to Marc Ruvolo’s voice as he has a unique vocal sound which fits the quirky pop punk of The Fur Coats so well. His lyrics are full of humor and social awareness, a unique combination which the trio underpins with some catchy, feisty tuneage. That quick lyrical wit is expressed perfectly in my favorite new work anthem “I Pretend That I Know What I’m Doing”. It’s a befitting gem about toiling away, five days a week with little guidance and piss poor management but still giving the impression that one is on top of things at all times. Gumballs takes the impressive quality of the band’s first album and outdoes that album in all aspects on this record. ‘Gumballs in the Meritocracy ‘ sounds like the dystopian love-child of MOTO, the Dead Milkmen, Screeching Weasel and Doc Dart from the Crucifucks. Ten songs of all driller, no filler. The LP also includes a nice looking printed inner dust sleeve and download card. Recommended.