Black bubblegum. What KISS lack in musical chops (the lyrics are unironically stoopid and the riffs are lousy), they more than make up for in terms of chutzpah. Fans of white blooze, they invented themselves out of parts they love. They love their fans, too: Even on record, these guys play to the nosebleeds, and they never lose the gimmick. Simple is as simple does — and therein lies the brilliance of KISS.
Of course, the Ramones do it much, much better.
Rating: C+
