Howlies

Howlies' debut single finds the group riding the dangerous edge of Atlanta garage rock's next wave. Producer Kim Fowley (Modern Lovers, the Runaways) gives a glossy shine to the clean songwriting. "Sea Level" and "Dirty Woman" are polar opposites of the primitive fuzz and jangle that characterizes Atlanta's scene. "Baby Shakes" is a Lou Reed-style acoustic rocker that glows with Fowley's studio touches. These songs will inevitably draw fire for bending the Black Lips' influence with a commercially viable sound. But such petty criticism overlooks the simplicity and punch of Howlies songwriting. For a debut single it's a fast, fun ride through garage rock of another color. 4 stars

Howlies' play a 7-inch release party w/ Giant Tigers and How I Became the Bomb at the Earl Fri., Aug. 29. $8. 9:30 p.m. 404-522-3950. www.badearl.com.