A
Monkey Kong
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A
Monkey Kong
Mammoth, 2000
RiYL: Supergrass, Green Day, early Police |
A -- just the letter, thank you -- packs Monkey Kong chock full of thunderous, punk-paced guitar riffs, electronic/turntable tomfoolery, organ-fueled melodies, and forceful vocal hooks, all cleanly interacting in the mix. The set's 14 songs are delivered with an almost manic youthful enthusiasm and are quickly addictive, recalling the adrenaline rush of the Police's early albums.
A's verve has its drawbacks, however. While the album's hooks, particularly on first single "Monkey Kong," sink in as artfully as Britpop heavy hitters like Blur and Supergrass, they tend to get repetitive over the course of the whole record. Lead singer Jason Perry, at times a dead vocal ringer for Perry Farrell -- pens lyrics that match the adolescent spirit of his delivery, some are humorous and engaging, but others are just downright silly.
To wit, opener "For Starters" is a self-aware mission statement ("We're getting louder / it sounds O.K. to me / they hate me at N.M.E."), but "Here We Go Again" is basically a tourist advertisement for Lake Tahoe. Single-in-waiting "Old Folks" rides on the immortal couplet, "The old folks are losers / they can't work computers."
It will be interesting to see if A has a great creative leap in its future, riding into the new decade on its knack for melody and rock power. But these guys might also be heading toward appointment as the U.K.'s version of Blink-182: half punkish guitar rock combo, half cheesy boy band. For now, Monkey Kong is an enjoyable brew. Just don't expect it to age gracefully.
TROY CARPENTER | Troy Carpenter founded NATN from a Chicago apartment during the ambitious winter of 1998 with co-conspirators Ben French and Jonathan Cohen. After a five-year stint in New York, he and wife Lourdes have recently relocated to Indianapolis, where he spends days listening to music and nights in the kitchen at Elements restaurant. Musical heroes: Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, Super Furry Animals. What else makes life worth living: Sushi, Phucty, runs in the park, and the Atlanta Braves.