In 2006, Girl in a Coma made their way to New York City where they played at Knitting Factory as part of a cable television show featuring up and coming bands. Joan Jett happened to be present, and she offered to sign the three San Antonio residents to her label, Blackheart Records on the spot. Following that fateful meeting, Girl in a Coma toured with their hero, Morrissey and have recorded four albums under Blackheart Records: Both Before I'm Gone (2007), Trio B.C. (2009), Adventures in Coverland (2010) (a cover album) and their latest, released November 1, 2011, Exits & All The Rest.

The first track on Exits & All The Rest is 'Adjust', a song that is reminiscent of The Pixies first album recorded in 1988. The song is repetitive in both its musical and lyrical content, and is saved by Nina Diaz's vibrant vocals. The range in emotion she expresses is impressive especially considering the lack of range in lyrical content.

The album's lead single, 'Smart', is a violent departure from the tracks it follows. Where some of the albums other tracks embody the dirty, rebellious personality that one would expect from protégées of Joan Jett, 'Smart' tends more toward a Brit-pop sound. It's incredibly radio friendly, and in that regard is an apt choice for a lead single, but it's sharp departure from the band's concept and image is confusing and makes for a major continuity problem on Exits & All The Rest.

'Control' was one of the more successful tracks on the album, combining yet another side to Nina Diaz's vocal character with a fuzzy but sentimental guitar. Diaz's vocals are rich in vibrato and gritty emotion – a lot like Martha Wainwright – and it's an effective juxtaposition with the musical attitudes of her band mates. 'Control' also features what sounds like an electronic drum sample sprinkled intermittently throughout its second verse that comes off as rather distracting ear candy. It's a small flaw in a song that brings together a lot of musical ideas in a complimentary way.

Overall, Exits & All The Rest proves to be a straightforward alternative album. Girl in a Coma classify themselves as punk, but there is certainly more of a Patsy Cline feel to this album than that of The Pixies, both of whom Girl in a Coma cite as influences. While there is nothing bad about Exits & All The Rest, there's nothing particularly groundbreaking about it either. Girl in a Coma's lynchpin is their song writing; as a band whose name is derived from The Smiths' song 'Girlfriend in a Coma' their lyrics don't hold a candle to those of Morrissey's. Nina Diaz's skillful use of her voice proves to be the only element of Girl in a Coma that keeps this album a relatively compelling listen.

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