So, the World Cup is over. Just think, television coverage without the constant buzz of vuvuzelas providing a migraine-inducing soundbed. It’s almost alien to consider, isn’t it? So for those of you experiencing withdrawal symptoms from the uncomfortable, monotonous drone of an annoying plastic phallus, there’s always Kay Burley on Sky News. Anyhoo, Single Reviews ahoy...
Easing us gently into proceedings this week are
Biffy Clyro, who drift across into the slow lane for
God & Satan, a semi-acoustic, downtempo affair which shines a light on their softer side. Its clever build-up into a stronger, busier crescendo makes for quite an effective narrative, which no doubt will have parallels with their rising – and largely deserved – success.
Scouting For Girls’ descent towards Worst Band Since S Club 7 is reaching light-speed with the sexless, awkward, infantile monstrosity of
Famous, an insincere ‘commentary’ on the culture of celebrity. They’re past the point of comical, past the point of annoying, and have even crossed ‘unbearable’ – Famous is concrete evidence that Scouting For Girls are full-on EVIL.
Onto a slightly less negative review before we drown in our own venom, and an agreeable number from
Diana Vickers. While
Once was good enough at selling her kooky talents,
The Boy Who Murdered Love does a far greater job, instantaneous and original with a solid pop core. There’s still nothing remarkable enough to convert detractors of The Claw, but let’s face it, that’d be the stuff of miracles.
And finally,
Single of the Week is awarded to
Darwin Deez, whose neo-Americana, indie-folk brilliance is rolled out once again on
Up in the Clouds. In contrast to the skilfully-screwy
Radar Detector, it’s a more mellow, almost more solemn affair, but still very much boasting the same summery twang and unprocessed charisma.
Attempting a transition from Albert Square to Madison Square Gardens (bear with us – we’ll think of a better one during the week) is Preeya Kalidas. Her previous stab at pop, the awesomely-daft Shakalaka Baby, set the bar high. But sadly, even the urban-skewed arrangements and guest rap courtesy of Mumzy Stranger can’t disguise the fetid cheese, making Shimmy less Michelle Gayle and more Michelle Collins.
The sickening outbreak of Bieber Fever means the market for training-bra dampeners is lucrative once more, and The Wanted are quick off the mark to cash in. In fairness, boyband numbers are rarely as impressive as All Time Low – amidst the clichéd squeemaking and colourless lyrics, there’s a mightily strong melody and almost Coldplayesque backing. So while the band themselves are a clumsy mix of goofy plumbers, wannabe-ethnics and trilling foetuses, the music’s – honestly – not all that bad.
And finally, Single of the Week, which is awarded to Travie McCoy featuring Bruno Mars. Quite why Travis chose to alter his name to sound like a Rugrats character is unclear, but little can detract from the soothing brilliance of Billionaire. A touch of Jason Mraz-style sun-kissed strummage, with a Jamaican stopover and a dash of lyrical hip-hop posturing combine nicely to create what will inevitably become the airplay monster of the summer.
