Despite the fact that garage bands with teenagers have
existed since the early '50's when rock and roll began, I am continually
surprised at the talent present in today's young bands and artists whose
albums I come across. Though not all are excellent, the breadth and scope
of the musicality these musical youngsters often possess amazes me. Often,
in my experiences with young artists, if you ask them who a certain older
artist is they may have no idea, but often the sounds come across as if they
have picked things up by osmosis or maybe did not know to whom they have
been listening as if their parents have exposed them to it and they've had
it ingrained inside them. This band is no different, as they have the art
of writing a pop songs down almost to a science, almost to a level seemingly
beyond their ages.
I mean, energetic, danceable and catchy are the three
words that immediately come to mind when thinking about the songs on this
album although they're not sappy bubblegum songs. These are songs that
are amazingly insightful and wise - albeit from a stage in their lives where
they are just discovering love and the hurt that often accompanies it.
Those
of us who are old hands at pain will recognize the emotions and feelings
present here, but the band captures them so completely and so insightfully
it is often surprising. Evven more surprising is how fun the band makes
them. If you love youthful, exciting rock music then this is the album for
you.
It's a hell of a fun time, to be sure.
NATALIE
PORTMAN'S SHAVED HEAD
