The copious use of sound effects was my first clue that this album was not going to be very good. The mixed metaphors in the songwriting was my second clue. However, I am stubborn by nature so I continued to listen.
“Gothic City” is aptly named, and it shows that the band is not really interested in playing any particular genre of music. “Gnarlie” is entertaining in an early ’90s sort of way. I bet these guys are all about 40. Generation X never ceases to amaze me. “Grab Your Ankles” continues with the non sequiturs. Maybe this isn’t so bad.
“Baby, Baby, Baby” tells another all-too-familiar story about the hard-to-get-playing woman. The Punk Group did a song like this, too. If you want a normal song that stands out, try “Unfaithful Lover.” It sounds like it barely missed the cut on the “Reality Bites” soundtrack.
OK, so I get it now. The songs are intended to be gimmicky. You’re supposed to laugh. Fine. This record is perfect after watching “I Love the ’90s” on VH1.
Archive for March 2010
Episode 1341 is up
March 23, 2010Episode 1339 is up
March 22, 2010Episode 1338 is up
March 20, 2010Episode 1337 is up
March 19, 2010Various Artists “Phase Five NZ Music”
March 18, 2010I picked up this one for two reasons: New Zealand is the only other country I have been to, and the first track was from Bang! Bang! Eche!, which was one of the first bands I reviewed for KSCU.
Bang Bang Eche, as they are called here (no factorial), are showcased on the record with “Fist Full of Dollars.” It makes sense because I had not heard of any of these other bands. The Naked and Famous do “All of This,” and it has a familiar ’80s modern rock sound.
Kidz in Space is an excellent happy hardcore name, but instead they are some sort of Everlast ripoff. “Ocean of Drugs” doesn’t impress me. Surf City presents “Kudos” and makes us long for some Catherine Wheel. It’s quite proficient at this. Collapsing Cities remind me a bit of She Wants Revenge in “Tazers.”
Motocade is the only act on a label other than Control (Mushroom), but this Duran Duran-inspired doesn’t seem to be any worse for the wear because of it. And the hidden gem that these comps always have? It’s from your good friends Kingston, who bring us “Good Good Feeling.” Pure power-pop happiness is found on this one.
David Dallas was inspired by westside rappers, and I feel comfortable saying this because I am 10,000 miles from him. It’s not bad. It sounds like the rap music that was in The Sims Online. Oh, the song is called “Indulge Me.” Smashproof picks up the rear with an East Coast rap-inspired “Ordinary Life.” I withhold comment why these two tracks are buried at the end. They are both layered a little bit too much, but there’s a vibe, and it’s not lame, and you wouldn’t think it was from New Zealand. It’s good for the Facos and Versatiles of the world.
Episode 1336 is up
March 18, 2010Dadfag “Scenic Abuse”
March 17, 2010The unfortunately named Dadfag are angry in a suburban way. I cannot take this band seriously. Musically, they sound like Operation Makeout, I guess, but you can tell the local influence in songs such as “Hangover Head.” But if you want to go that route, I might as well listen to Glitter Mini 9. You can really taste the goat.
When the band is more focused, there is some fun and dirty results. “Down Baby” is much tighter than most of the tracks on the record. This, this right here. This is what they need to be doing. King Missile has done a lot of noise like this, although obviously with dudes. “Lookout” is also OK, but by the time you get halfway through the album, the songs start to run together. This should have been an EP.
“Tits” has an old-school Yeah Yeah Yeahs vibe to it. I can dig it. “Of a Mind” sounds like Bratmobile.
All in all, I’d pass on this one.
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