Cute Is What We Aim For

When the punk genre was young and pissy, no self-respecting group would have chosen the moniker Cute Is What We Aim For. Disgusted Is What We Aim For, perhaps, or maybe Covered In Spit Is What We Aim For. But "cute"? "Cute" is among the many things old-school punks despised...

By Michael Roberts

November 16, 2006

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When the punk genre was young and pissy, no self-respecting group would have chosen the moniker Cute Is What We Aim For. Disgusted Is What We Aim For, perhaps, or maybe Covered In Spit Is What We Aim For. But "cute"? "Cute" is among the many things old-school punks despised. Today, though, cute punk appeals to early and middle teens (many of the female persuasion) who like sonic aggression that stops short of screamo. And these boys from Buffalo successfully fill that marketing niche. The Same Old Blood Rush With a New Touch, on Fueled by Ramen, has numerous catchy moments, not to mention demographically relatable lyrics such as "In every circle of friends, there's a whore," from "Newport Living." Such sentiments aren't dangerous by true punk standards, but these guys, who are touring with Hellogoodbye, Dave Melillo, and Reggie and the Full Effect, have a different goal. They're aiming for cute, and that's precisely what they hit.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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