Circuits: Bright As Midnight
Friday, 04 Jul 2008 10:50
Indie-popsters Circuits release their debut
Try Science, out Monday, July 7th.
In a nutshell...
Conquerors of Japan have sights set on UK homeland
What's it all about?
Brighter Than Midnight is Circuits' big chance to live up to the hype. They've been touted as the next big thing by a whole swathe of commentators and released a few singles between 2007 and 2008 to critical press and radio acclaim. They're due to play a number of UK dates in the coming months to support this release, so the sky really could be the limit for this foursome, as long as they do live up to the hype.
Who's it by?
With Brighter Than Midnight being Circuts' debut offering, there's not too much to say about the band, their website is fairly light on information except for positive quotes from ArtRocker and the Guardian. Their single Before It's Over has been Steve Lamacq's record of the week earlier this year and they've already endeared themselves to fans in Japan. Now's their opportunity to make it big in the UK.
As an example...
"Must do better to become a better man/If you're there before its over you're on time."
Likelihood of a trip to the Grammys
They have no track record to go on, but they'll no doubt prove popular with excitable young kids with trendy haircuts. The Guardian seems to like them, too. Steve Lamacq as well for that matter. Maybe it's just me that doesn't.
What the others say
"Punchy, dancy indie-pop that evokes the spirit of buzzing London at night." - Daily Star
"Punchy, with a sense of purpose... Circuits could be huge, conquer stadiums and save rainforests." - Guardian
So is it any good?
I got this album based on the previous reviews I'd seen from the likes of Guardian and Reverb, it's been called "punchy" (a lot) and "punk" (just as much), as well as "danceable" and "memorable". Now I'll give it "memorable", but that's only because the chorus in many cases is just one line repeated over and over again. That's not to knock songs that sound a bit samey - I like Green Day as much as the next person.
But my main beef with the album is that it's certainly not punchy and punk-like in any way. When I think of punchy punk bands with a purpose (as the Guardian calls Circuits) I think of Anti-Flag or Bad Religion going on an anti-Bush diatribe. Not some whiny guy wailing about not being able to get a girl off his mind. Also, when the lead singer says the word "better" in Young Enough Not To Care he sounds like Kate Nash.
Maybe it's me being bitter reviewer because I thought I was getting a punk CD. But maybe it's them.
5.5/10
John Brunskill
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