Battery Operated Orchestra - Radiation
CD
/ DL
Out
Now
8.5
/ 10
Husband and
Wife DIY duo release their second album.
For those of
us who were around in the early 80s and witnessed the synthpop explosion, the
current re-forming and re-releasing of the bands from that era proves to be
something slightly more than nostalgic.
As the 80s progressed, so did the sound of electro and it took on a
slightly less commercial feel and took on an alternative slant. Battery Operated Orchestra (BOO to their
friends) seem to have encapsulated both.
What they
offer is some bouncy, catchy synthpop of the highest order. Highly charged electronica with incredibly
addictive melodies combine with crystal clear vocals courtesy of Brigitte Rose
and Chris Black to make perhaps one of the year’s most enjoyable albums.
Think more
Yellow Magic Orchestra than Kraftwerk, think fellow male/female duo Feral Five
for further proof that good, well-constructed songs are not dead. Radiation contains ten tracks - all killer no
filler - which given the right opportunities could see them appearing on a
radio station near you soon.
Grey Room is
like a mix of La Roux and Ting Tings with added 8-bit Nintendo blips, and The Sea
has hints of the B52s (Rock Lobster) craziness as it weaves into your head not
wanting to let go. It is those slightly
off the wall comparisons that make Radiation the success that it is.
The truth is,
that Radiation wouldn’t have fit in amongst the pop of the 80s, it’s far more intelligent
than that. Less throwaway as it tackles
themes of mind control, sex and broadcasting and all with a highly infectious
backbeat. It isn’t a classic album, but
it is certainly one which deserves a listen or three and proves that BOO will
be around for a while to come. If they
continue to make albums of this quality then who knows where it may lead.
Radiation is
a well thought out album. Tracks lead
perfectly into each other as the hypnotic I Go Invisible proves as it offers a
little respite before current single Diamond Feelings steams into view as a
perfectly constructed pop song. From an immediate
percussive pound, through subtle instrumentation to a full on chorus, it just won’t
let go and will remain with you for several hours after listening.
For fans of great alternative pop, this is an
album for you. BOO will win you over
with their clever wordplay and contagious tunes.
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