Rotting Pinata is the debut studio album from Sponge. The Detroit band writes dense, melancholic alt rock, and the songs on the 11-tracker take listeners back to the time when grunge dominated the airwaves. Sonically, Vinnie Dombroski & gang resemble the Stone Temple Pilots; in fact, the band was hired to replace STP as an opening act for Kiss in 1996. Although Sponge lacks the influence & staying power of its contemporaries, mostly of Pacific Northwest origin, the group is responsible for some of the most memorable records from the decade. "Plowed," Sponge's signature tune," boasts no-frills arrangement and a powerful, catchy chorus, and "Molly" is a fun, snarky tribute to actress Molly Ringwald. "Drownin'" and "Fields" didn't enjoy nearly as much radio play as the aforementioned but nevertheless are standout tracks w/ bittersweet melodies & soaring hooks. This is the first vinyl pressing of Rotting Pinata in the US, and this white version is limited to 300 copies.

• first time on vinyl in the US
• limited white vinyl, 300 copies only 
• music label: WARGOD 1994 / 2018

reviewed by singing in japanese 01/19