Pet Rocks in the Press

Ithaca Journal, Arts & Leisure

April 16, 1998

Friday, local favorites Pet Rocks throw a release party for their eponymous debut CD. The five-piece band plays a blend of rock, blues, and ska. Opening the show is the Strand.
      --Jim Catlano

Ithaca Times

July 2nd, 1998

The debut album of Ithaca-based Pet Rocks is charged with vitality, youth, kickin' riffs, and one of the best guitarists to emerge from the local scene.  The eleven original tunes were primarily written by lead vocalist Pedro Arroyo, who sounds like he's having a great time at the microphone.  He's joined with vocal support from Emily Bem, solid percussion work from Steve Reichlen, journeyman bass maneuverings from Alex Gottschalk, and particularly excellent licks from young guitar master David Love.  Pet Rocks is joined on the CD by percussionist Aaron Jackson, horn player Michael Walls, bassist Chris Jevens, and keyboardist Charlie Mayer.  The result is a lively romp, mirthful and juicy.
      Recorded at Pyramid Sound and co-produced by Alex Perialis and Jason Arnold, the presentation is sufficiently tight without seeming restrictive; in fact, the album has a very "live" feel.  Tunes like "Mickey Slipped," "Alive at Least," "Chump," and "Working Stuff," among others demonstrate clever and developing compositional talents and an ear for innovation with intelligent homage paid to masters past.  Sample lines like, "The paint's coming off the walls/And God is refusing to take any calls" or "Then she walks away faster than a rumor" or "But now my heart's in pieces and my liver's on the way" and you'll get a hint of how thoughtful Pet Rocks can be.  Then just check out the CD for David Love's extended meanderings on the guitar to discover a master in the making.
      --Gene Ira Katz

Ithaca Journal, Arts & Leisure

July 9th, 1998

[...] Opening the show is local favorite Pet Rocks, led by firey guitarist David Love
      --Jim Catlano