PANDORAS’ KNOCKS

“STOP PRETENDING.� The Pandoras. Rhino. Pity the poor fool who has to measure up to Paula Pierce’s expectations. Throughout this bitchin’ album of ‘60s-flavored raunch, the lead Pandora chastises and sneers at the men in her life. There are a few upbeat romance ravers here, but for the most part Pierce’s attitude toward romance is summarized in the opening song title: “In and Out of My Life (In a Day).� The Pandoras may be an all-girl group, but Pierce’s gruff, mannish vocals and macho attitude make her just one of the dudes. This album represents a quantum leap in songwriting, musicianship and production over the Pandoras’ debut. Pierce’s vocals are uneven and the songs are more duplication than inspiration, but “Stop Pretending� effectively plays tough with stereotypes about ‘60s bands and girl bands, putting Pierce and her cohorts on top--which seems to be the position they prefer.