Papas Fritas' self-titled debut album is a bracing set of indie power pop with an astonishing sense of both playfulness and studio mastery. In spots, Tony Goddess' vocals are as rugged as on an old Replacements record, while the light-touch ballad "Passion Play" is a charming piece of chamber pop worthy of the Left Banke. While the lyrics are a bit lightweight in places, the group's cunning pop sense and the bright harmony vocals of drummer Shivika Asthana produce a stunning pop album. [A Japanese version of the CD was reissued in 2000 and includes bonus tracks.]