Gimantis - s/t (self-released, 2002)

Eschewing the usual tough-guy 4th-and-goals that are common in bands from this part of the country, these lads kick more like Vikings from Minn-E-Apol-is than Patriots from Mass-A-Chew-Siss. Wearing the same cleats as The Replacements (not for nothing was the footie-ball movie named after Keanu Reeves' favorite turf-toes) and Soul Asylum (who sat and waited and hoped to find some offense that was good at using up time before booting game-winners), Gimantis also mesh their spikes into the grass a la the Goo Goo Dolls from Buff-Ah-Low (no wide-rights from Scott Norwood here, though). "My Favorite Lie," "The Knievel That Men Do" (which discusses broken ribs of those unafraid to tackle), and "No Good For You" (if that ain't a kicker's lament...) are the best bets when trying to decide the over/under. I'll take Gimantis by three, please.