More Rock-friendly, but still very catchy pop songs
author: Synthpop
This debut album follows the earlier EP "Entertainment System" release for Monster-0 on Omega Point Records, and the band has grown in the intervening time, going from a strictly laptop-based instrumentation to adding Acoustic Drums, guitars, and several other instruments. The band has also added a member, with Lindsay Williams manning the drums, while Daemon Hatfield takes care of, as the liner notes put it, "Everything Else".
The acoustic drums and guitars on this release lend a much more rock-friendly tone to the songs this time out, but the same powerfully catchy pop song structures that appealed so much in the EP release are still here in force. The songs are also a bit more cynical this time out, with "Doubt It" delivering a sarcastic smack in the mouth right from the get-go. "Burt Bacharach Was Right" is a very clever ballad, simultanouesly poking fun at itself for being a ballad, while managing to be a moving and effective ballad at the same time. There's a definite New Wave influence that comes into play several times here as well, such as in "Or So You Think" (which, while quite foul language-wise, is very catchy) or "I Just Might". "Ultramega", one of the most synthy of the tracks here, is followed by another excellent song, "Take Me Down". "Dance On Over" is another really enjoyable popsong, and "Thanks A Lot" closes out the disc on a definite high note.
Overall, this disc takes a more Indie Rock spin on the Monster-0 sound from the previous EP, blending in New Wave and Rock influences to create a distinctive sound that's very enjoyable. The profanity still is there on one or two tracks, but overall, this is a very solid, enjoyable album that's well worth your checking out!
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