Review - Keyboard Rebel 'Pop Grenade'

Okay. First thing is first. If you don't like pop in it's purest form, then walk away now. Walk away and don't look over yer shoulder honey. Here we have unashamed catchiness with "woah woah woah", "ba-baba-ba" and the like.

In fact, Keyboard Rebel have acknowledged their debt to the Hit Parade with the title of their debut cut, 'Pop Grenade'. Basically, this is an LP designed to have the pin pulled and lobbed at the stereo. Failing that, you could keep the pin in and roll it toward someone just to cause a bit of worry. Anyway, what's it like?

Well, read over chumpola.

Some time ago, I reviewed Keyboard Rebel on another site, which has since been closed down and replaced by two London types who don't know their turntables from their elbows. Anyway, I can't recall what I said about 'My Lordship' (which I was reviewing at the time) but I know I loved it. As a matter of fact, I think I may well have dubbed it the sound of that particular summer. Listening to it again, as it kicks off proceedings on 'Pop Grenade', it sounds better than it ever did. It's all glorious skewed pop focusing on the unusual (for pop at least) topic of the feudal system. Peasant-pop anyone?

Anyway, there's a whole buncha tracks that'll drive you pop-crazy. 'Northern Sherpa', 'Golden Opportunity' and 'Abigail'. However, only those with a sense of fun... a sense of humour need apply. If you're some po-faced movvafugga who demands a certain volume of posturing, then leave, never look back. This is a band who says things like "get out of my face you freak" and "she left a 6ft crater in the dancefloor". Man, they've written a song called 'Lonesome George'. If you don't know who Lonesome George is, then go ask David Attenborough.

The rollcall for this LP is disco, funk, folk, medieval noises, wonky rapping, na-na-naaing, Casio keyboards, garden shed, folk guitar, big choruses... it's a weird and wonderful album that'll make you smile. You might even laugh at it... Keyboard Rebel don't mind. They just wanna be your friend. [Roman Clef]

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Comments

[Ashley]

I love it. It's great, and I listen to it almost obsessively.