You might have already heard them on the radio or tv, but the British punk-wave five-piece finally drops their debut, and it's studded with gems. Despite having songs ready to go from the start, their label wanted the band to record new tunes, which delayed the album a year. But the instantly infectious Fantastic Playroom is a slick twist on 80's pop and easily worth the wait.
With utterly danceable rhythms as the backdrop, they paint each track with slick guitar/synth riffs and Tahita Bulmer's slack-sexy vocals. The Intel commercial rental, "Ice Cream" is a lite groove beat highlighted by post-megaphone vocals (recognize "I can give you what you want"?), spiked punch guitars, and gliding synths. "Hiding On The Staircase" has a thumping samba rhythm and a cool synthy fanfare. "The Get Go" has more of a new wave feel, but accelerated to a punk speed. Most of Fantastic Playroom has a fun club feel mixed with an out-of-control rock show vibe.
Each track shares a similar well-paced rhythm track and jelly-legged synth-rock. "The Bomb" is a 60's girl-group from the wrong side of the tracks mixed with a dirty '80s drum/synth/bass mix. The opening track, "Get Lucky" rides a silvery guitar and dance-rock beat as Bulmer's catch refrain all but requires the dance floor to jump. "F.A.N." is like LCD Soundsystem playing Blur's "Top Man". Fantastic Playroom ends on slick synth vibe and cool vocals on "Tight Fit". From top to bottom, a fun, danceable, rock-out, and above all else, stylish album.
For a debut, this is a very well-produced, well-executed album. It begs to be a summer hit in clubs and cars alike. It's cool, fun, cute, sexy, and plays hard to get. All the ingredients of someone or something very attractive.
