Lurking in the recesses of my CD collection is a single in ridiculously oversized packaging, complete with a signed numbered photo by a band called Komakino. It's pretty good, and I had been looking forward to seeing them play live. Unfortunately, they cancelled, and I was disappointed to discover soon after that they had split up. Komakino is dead, indeed.
Shortly after, though, You Animals emerged. In place of the Joy Division influenced fractal guitars and reverb that characterised the Komakino sound (well, it was 2005, when time Editors were just breaking) was a more overtly pop style. This is evidenced in abundance on this EP, which previews alternative versions of four songs (all of which have parenthetical subtitles) from the band's forthcoming debut album. Poppy, bouncy, upbeat and popping with hand-claps all over the place, it's quintessential feelgood indie pop of a very late 80s / early 90s kind of vintage (with the exception of the last track, the mellow shoegazey 'All the Rage (Suffer for Your Art)' which may well be the best of the bunch despite the complete absence of any sense of rage).
|
It's a bit lightweight, though, and ever so slightly twee. I can't help but feel rather disappointed. Still, at least no-one can accuse them of being bandwagon-jumpers, so fair play to them. It's just not really my bag.
Download the EP for free from You Animals Online
|
