From the pages of the CMJ New Music Report, Issue: 497 - Nov 4, 1996
A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of checking out these rockin' maniacs
live at The Whiskey in Los Angeles. Wow. Lit's energy and commanding
stage presence had the packed house (you could barely breathe it was so
crowded!) captivated in complete and utter awe. From the moment the band
stormed out onto the stage and began playing, and lead vocalist A. Jay
Popoff leaped so high in the air that he almost smashed his head into
the ceiling (it was like he had springs in his shoes!), you could hear
the faint sound of jaws dropping all around the room. The audience was
instantly won over. Lit worked the crowd into a sweaty frenzy with its
aggressive mix of metallic riffs, fiery punk attitude and catchy
alternative pop overtones. This band is destined to be huge. Hailing
from Anaheim, California, Lit consists of brothers A. Jay and Jeremy
Popoff (guitars) and their longtime friends, bassist Kevin Baldes and
drummer Allen Shellenberger. The band's brilliant debut EP, Five Smokin'
Tracks From..., erupts with sheer force and delicious melodies. Every
song is a must-listen: "Bitter," "Fireman," "No Big Thing," "Beginning"
and "Stain."