Who Are the Third Grade Haters There is nothing Hatable about The Third Grade Haters, whose two-minute blasts of rock-n-roll are a true testament to the loud, fast rules of punk. Their sound is basic, primal garage rock and is often compared to a modern day version of The Who updated for the 21 century partially for their style, featuring heavy rock guitars with abrasive vocals and erratic, angular rhythms, but more due to comparisons between the characteristics of their respective members. Set to be one of the key figures of the American Invasion of Britain, the Third Grade Haters are a dynamic and undeniable sonic force. They sound like they are exploding conventional rock and punk structures with furious guitar chords, hyperactive baselines, and vigorous, chaotic drumming. The Third Grade Haters stormed onto the Knoxville music scene with their eyes on the prize. In a whirlwind of hustle and clatter, the first gunshot came in October of 2007 when the Third Grade Haters began their campaign to Take Over The World!, a battle cry of a war that serves as a frenetic, precocious primer for the band's rock-punk fascination with decadence, obsession and thwarted lovers. With an almost Machiavellian sense of ambition, the band calculated, strategized, and plotted, touring relentlessly and living the freshly lit cigarettes, stiff drinks, and punk adventure that are reflected in their highly anticipated album. Live shows remain kinetic and jolting performance marked by in-jokes and brash, swaggering bravado. Their debut, Pompous & Proud, is a fevered, luminous record of rock 'n' roll escapades. The album that is currently underway is just one quick hit after another, a succession of aural whippets that last long after the records over. The record inventories the impulsiveness of falling for the wrong girl, the apathy of youth and testosterone-fueled fun. Songs such as “Be Mine” kick off with a rebel yell, capturing the feeling of a sweaty club with beer bottles smashing. The song “Going Under” is an instantly infectious sing-along with soaring melodies and a climactic beat. Numbers like "Eva Longoria" show the band packing more fist-pumping punch than three-minute punk boundaries usually permit. Standout track “Get On Board” -- an ode to the crush-heavy pang -- gives '60s-flavored pop confections a black eye with its cinematic stagger from love-weary rock songs to petulant punk wail. Unequivocally their amps go to 11. “Overdrive” is right. And just when you think their strategy is attack-attack-attack, the Haters kill you with a dynamic “Monday Morning” and “You Gotta Know” makes you want to break something and in the case of “London”, reach for the lighter. As for the title, Pompous & Proud is dead on.