Like taking a ruler to the knuckles of obnoxious students, the Hard Lessons play disciplinarian on their latest cut, "See or Be Scene." Too old to be swept away by hype and too self-respecting to conform to trends, the Detroit-based trio takes this opportunity to spin a tight yarn condemning the MySpace generation and their penchant for gender-bending. "Now the boys, the boys are wearing girls clothes," sing the Hard Lessons' songwriters Augie and Ko Ko Louise in unison. The girls, though, are not free of fault as they flaunt their "makeup and curls" -- also part of the dastardly equation. All of this in hopes to "see or be scene" leaves the Lessons truly aghast and provides a stirring subject for some sharp songwriting cynics.

But instead of stinging lacerations the Hard Lessons take the sweet road, wrapping their tough love in a cuddly exterior, successfully softening the blow. Meaty riffs tease with melody, but it's the sugar-rush male and female harmonies, quick Casio handclaps and cheerful the Rentals/Motion City Soundtrack synths that put searing sarcasm under the guise of power-pop. Eyes clouded with guy-liner and side-swept bangs and ears ringing from last night's screamo concert, the scenester kids won't even know what hit 'em. The first single in the four part B & G Sides collection drops Nov. 23 via the Quack!Media imprint. 

Now Hear This:
The Hard Lessons - "See or Be Scene" DOWNLOAD MP3

On the Web:
The Hard Lessons at MySpace
thehardlessons.com

Talk:: Will their assault on the 'scene' get the Hard Lessons seen?