To all intents and purposes, the shoegazing scene died in the early to mid-1990s, existing only as a cult scene for those who refused to make eye contact with other humans. It appears that no one told San Francisco three-piece Black Rebel Motorcycle Club who have produced an album which breathes new life into this supposedly dead scene. In 'Whatever Happened To My Rock 'N' Roll' they have an exhilarating rollercoaster of a single; fast, intense and thrilling it flies the flag for dumb choruses. Similarly 'Love Burns' and 'Spread Your Love' contain the kind of simple but effective punk riffs that should please the majority of those harbouring thoughts of Jesus And Mary Chain. The group are much more than a one-trick pony though and this album has surprising depth. Take, for example, 'Too Real' a queasily, dreamy passage of My Bloody Valentine-style wall of sound proportions; it also recalls Swervedriver's better moments. Then there's further, more understated fuzzed-up rock in the vein of 'As Sure As The Sun' and 'Rifles' where singer Peter Hayes gives his best Jim Reid impersonation. 'B.R.M.C.' is a very good album indeed that transcends its obvious influences, and any shoegazing album that has a song called 'Head Up High' reveals a refreshing sense of humour too.