The Loved Ones

What happens when you mix Philly hardcore royalty with Elvis Costello's hooks — and a punk ferocity that NOFX hasn't had in years? The Loved Ones, of course, a band that includes former members of Kid Dynamite and the Curse. Their debut full-length, Keep Your Heart, isn't just a great pop record; it also has the potential to unify hardcore kids, punk rockers and emo nerds. While songs such as "Over 50 Club" may recall Kid Dynamite a little too exactly (songwriter Dave Hause was a former KD roadie), tracks like "Jane" and the breakout single "100K" prove how versatile the Loved Ones are. Is it too soon to dub these guys Next Year's Models?