Johnny Foreigner: Our Bipolar Friends
Monday, 10 Mar 2008 17:39
Johnny Foreigner: Our Bipolar Friends
Best Before Records, March 10th.
In a nutshell...
Frantic, energetic, melodic, fuzzy, pop
What's it all about?
Our Bipolar Friends opens quietly before exploding into a riot of brash noisy indie pop. The interplay of female and male vocals is a melodic counter to the fuzzy squealing guitars that kick in after the intro. Reminiscent of the Pixies quiet-loud, fast-slow approach to songwriting, the title track builds to a thrilling, if raucous, climax. With the guitars and lead singer Kelly's vocals, one is strongly put in mind of Bloc Party, yet the B-Side, The House Party Scene is Killing You tempers the frantic pace of its predecessor, with the woozy harmonies between singers Kelly and Alexei becoming the dominant feature to create a sound that is closely akin to Sonic Youth.
Who's it by?
Johnny Foreigner are a young three piece from Birmingham and have recently been receiving a great deal of critical acclaim. They released their seven-track mini album Arc across the City in November and this new release is from their forthcoming debut album which is due out in June.
As an example...
"I just want someone to die for." Lyrically a little bit weak, but will appeal to the angsty emo kids who will no doubt lap them up.
Likelihood of a trip to the Grammys
Johnny Foreigner look set to take the indie world by storm on the release of their debut album; however, while this teaser shows great promise and imagination, we will have to wait and see how far they rise.
What the others say
"…a breathless rush of possibilities, Ritalin rock exploding with ideas and imagination." Kerrang
"… forward thinking young guitar slingers … turbo charged, noisy and downright promising." Rock Sound
So is it any good?
This single shows tremendous promise, particularly in the natural grasp of melody and harmony shown by the Birmingham youngsters. The vocals, while not individually the strongest are woven together superbly and when laid over the Sonic Youth inspired guitar work they create a barrage of melodic yet heavy sound. Where the band are perhaps weakest is lyrically, yet one cannot help but be caught up with their enthusiasm and energy. A promising act and one to watch as this single and the B-Side show they have the potential for an imaginative and beautifully balanced debut album.
7/10
Zephie Begolo
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