Member:
jlneudorf
(Profile)
(All Album Reviews by jlneudorf)
Date:
4/1/2012
Format:
CD (Album)
The name of this young Swedish band may have your head spinning but the music will keep you glued to the speakers with absolute pleasure. You Say France & I Whistle formed in 2005 and I have to say this was a total surprise given this music is so far removed from the Swedish bands I typically listen to.
The band released their first EP in 2008 and in 2010 their second EP Angry Boy saw the light of day. Their first full length release Angry Men came out February 14 of this year and is one of the most enjoyable non prog releases I have heard in quite some time. The album’s cover art; a breezy tropical scene, perfectly represents the band’s upbeat brand of indie pop/rock.
Beginning with the joyous title track, I’m thinking a mellower more acoustic version of Talking Heads, the album stays on track from the first song to the last. My only complaint is it ends too abruptly for my liking. Next up is “Attaboy” with its killer harmony vocals and Cars-like vibe especially in the lead vocals which do remind one of Ric Ocasek. The reggae grooves of “Our Spiderweb” will have you searching out the nearest beach while the punchy pop of “This Is Sunday, Right?” will bring back fond memories of Parallel Lines-era Blondie. The acoustically driven “Where’s My Gun?” has a more serious note and an air of poignancy. The infectious grooves continue with “I’m On Your Side” featuring another great melody.
Every song is well crafted and superbly catchy, there just isn’t a bad one in the bunch. While this likely won’t satisfy your progressive itch, if you like melody with your music You Say France & I Whistle just might be the band for you. Highly recommended.
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