the thunder's noise is our delight, and lightning makes us day by night

Thursday, July 12, 2007

ALBUM REVIEW: ART BRUT - It's a Bit Complicated (2007)

Art Brut's latest is a charming bit of British pop-rock, full of reminiscent lyrics and an everyman appeal, highlighted by the blue-collar vocals by frontman Eddie Argos. If you're looking for something even a little deep, look elsewhere, because Art Brut is all about having a good time and bringing back some good ol' rock and roll to the mainstream. Their debut album Bang Bang Rock 'N Roll had the same simplistic, just-for-fun type vocals and simplistic guitar work, and It's a Bit Complicated follows in its steps, with a few minor deviations i.e. some slightly more complicated guitar leads and backing vox.

"We're gunna be the band that writes the song that makes Israel and Palestine get along," well hey, you have to love a band with this kind of confidence, right? "Direct Hit" is the standout single on It's a Bit Complicated, bringing party lyrics and singing so simplistic it's almost as if it's spoken instead of sung. Eddie Argos's vocals sound pretty much like you grabbed a random drunk out of a London pub and asked him to sing, with his signature really, really thick English accent. It doesn't detract from the songs, because honestly if a guy with a regular accentless verbiage I'd probably be bored out of my skull with this one.

7/10

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