The #1s
The #1s
[Deranged Records]
Sometimes self-imposed restrictions yield the best art. Something that wears its adherence to a genre framework on its sleeve can reap the greatest rewards as each subtle subversion of those tropes takes on new weight. And conversely, each moment that perfectly hits the expected notes that could otherwise appear cliché take on a shade of knowing humour. That said, broken hearts, denim jackets, three chords delivered in quick succession, repeated over the course of a couple of minutes, guitar solo, the chords again – it’s a beautiful thing.
Considering the fact the world’s premier “indie” bands now croon behind a wall of smoke in the Iveagh Gardens for 40 quid a pop, explicitly regressive groups have ironically become some of the most exciting modern musical prospects -or at least the most fun- and if the #1s are one thing, it’s fun.
Though the meat of this, their first full length release, has been released previously on the boys’ various 7 inches and EPs, the sugar rush potency of these chewbar sticky earworms is best enjoyed back to back. And with ten tracks delivered in less than 20 minutes, it’s the sort of record that almost demands to be put right back to the start once the stylus hits the bellybutton. It’s not big, it’s not clever but it’s fecking brilliant.
You might also like:
Television Personalities – And Don’t the Kids Just Love It;
Buzzcocks – Another Music in a Different Kitchen;
No Bunny – Love Visions
Words: Danny Wilson
