Search - Art Brut :: Bang Bang Rock & Roll

Bang, Bang

M. Wells | 12/28/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"In the summer of 2005, I stumbled upon Art Brut when I read some rave reviews about their debut, "Bang, Bang, Rock N' Roll", in several online music mags. While I tried to fight off insomnia on this otherwise non-descript, humid night, the reviews I read made me curious to see just what these Brits had to offer my already deep music collection. The reviews, much like the one you are reading right now, were all rather pretentious and because of the apparent character of the people who penned them, I was skeptical about whether or not Art Brut was for me. I felt like these guys might merely be yet another semi-talented group of hacks rammed down my throat by the music snob elite. It turns out I was skeptical for a good, albeit very different, reason. When I gave "Bang, Bang" its first spin I was initially confused. These guys couldn't be frickin' serious, could they? The musicianship on the first track, "Formed a Band", didn't go any further than Art Brut hammering out a simple three chord song with a punk aesthetic. The lead singer, if you could even call frontman Eddie Argos that, never crooned; Argos merely spoke his lyrics into the microphone in a pronounced English cockney. And yet the music was catchy as hell and to my surprise, it had me smiling instantly. In a display of bravado and cockiness typically exhibited by the anti-Argos, Liam Gallagher, at an Oasis concert, Art Brut were actually taunting me on record and it was spectacular and fun. But the good times didn't stop with "Formed a Band". The next track, "My Little Brother", with its tale of late-bloomer rock fan angst had me cackling like the sleep-deprived lunatic I really am. Things got really interesting when Art Brut ripped into the third track, Emily Kane. I can not describe how wonderful a pop song "Emily" is. It manages to roll up sadness, comedy, innocence, and ferocity in a few minutes that blister. As a fan of the genre, it is tough not to love "Bang, Bang, Rock N' Roll". Rarely will a band get away with sticking its tongue this far into your cheek. Don't believe me? Check out the album highlight, "Moving to L.A." and you'll be hooked."

Stop buying your albums from the supermarket!

W. M. Davidson | St. Louis, MO | 03/14/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Eddie Argos' humorous lyrics and sometimes-sung, mostly-spoken vocals may initially make Art Brut seem like a novelty band or some kind of parody, but don't be fooled. Novelty acts get stale after the surprise wears off, but this album just gets more delightful with each listen. Strong melodies abound ("Bad Weekend" and the geniunely touching [yes, really] "Emily Kane" are standouts) and the band plays their smartly-constructed Britpop with an enthusiastic, punkish edge. If you like Britpop at all, don't be scared away by the unconventional frontman; you owe it to yourself to check out this outstanding record."

Wow!!! ! !

Phillip Garland | 06/10/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is great. I would highly recommend paying the extra to import this. Superb debut album. Very funny tongue in cheek lyrics, often some very thoughtful and uplifting ones too. Oh, and the music is outrageously ass kicking and fun! Great to hear a band not take themselves so seriously and make something greatly fun."