duga

after waiting a few days and letting the album absorb into my subconscious, i'd have to say my opinion of the album is pretty good. i like how they have a good balance between cheeky fun and serious musicality. sure, there are countless other bands out there that put out music like this, but that is the same with most genres of music. they don't earn points for originality, but they do get points for pulling off the style well. this is the album i would put on if i just wanted to listen to something fun. if i had to compare these guys to anyone, i'd say they are phoenix on a diet after a few shots of tequila.

the opener "the new government" didn't do much to impress me. it wasn't bad, but it didn't catch my attention all that much. great bassline, but the song was ok other than that. i really didn't feel like i was going to get into the album with that, but the next song "fat horse" was infinitely better to me. still not to the point of musical genius, but it was enough to keep me very interested. i'm the kind of person that decides if an album was worth my time if they can give me even one song that i want to put on repeat. the new government hit that song with "murder in slow motion". i just love that song. the first time i listened to it, there was an obvious build up with a quirky little guitar bit that got me really wondering what was going to happen next. the song then kicked in to a very smooth and driving atmosphere. this was definitely the high point of the album for me. "follow" was another really good song. a very vindictive kind of vibe, but in a very cool way. i liked the contrast of having a very rough verse and then the smooth and ethereal bits singing "follow". the rest of the album alternates between pretty good and forgettable.

overall, i enjoyed listening to this album. i'll keep an eye on these guys, i feel like they will be improving quite a bit in the future.

6.5/10

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NumberNineDream

I kinda agree with you on all your points stated in that review. These songs are definitely the highlight of the album, and those are the ones that I usually repeat. I enjoy the rest of the album a lot on a drive, but I sadly forget what I was listening to the second I arrive to my destination, and then find myself humming the songs mentioned.

As for the bolded parts above:

The opening song really disappoints me at every listen. I think they were trying to do this kind of fun introduction to the band à la Sgt. Pepper, all I know it was kind of a failure. Though after listening to that song a bit more attentively, I have to clarify that the lyrics are pretty shocking if you were Lebanese, as they enumerate as personal acts, the series of crimes that happened in this country in 2005:

I killed the prime minister
I killed a famous journalist
And the next one on my list
Was an ancient communist

I blew his car in the day time
I blew his car in the crowd
... ...

and that I think truly made me laugh out loud the first time I heard it. It's not like he's taking this whole issue lightly, all I say, it was a happy surprise.

As for the second part, the band released 2 albums after that one that I downloaded but still haven't given any serious spin. I'll get back to you on them, if I found anything interesting.

Cheers to all who gave that album a listen. I know it's not the most original one, but it's still one of those bands that might never be heard of internationally.

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Arya Stark

Haven't received any suggestions guys.
I'd suggest suggesting. :3

Just a suggestion.

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FETCHER.

I like what you done there. I'll pm a few.

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Arya Stark

Hahaha thanks. xD
I was mad tired when I posted that.

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FaSho

Can we throw in the same thing I submitted last week?

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gogojessicat

Is it too late to review this one?? I put it off for a while, my bad.
Anyway - my thoughts:
I actually had the opposite experience as Duga. It started off well and then went bad. The first song hit me and I was like hey, this could be interesting. Not a bad sound, rather catchy, plenty of energy.. but it just didn't turn out well in the end. I wasn't impressed with the lyrics. I found myself getting annoyed by the singer's voice. The instrumental build ups took too long and i was impatient. I did enjoy Fat Horse. interesting stuff. really disliked Staying Alive. Maybe I was in a bad mood while listening but this wasn't my fave. I am glad I gave the album a listen though. not something I would have picked up.
4/10

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duga

man people were pretty harsh on that album...i thought it at least deserved above a 5. not that i disagree with any of the reviews....i just feel they were catchy and energetic enough to get a passing grade. after all, i've heard some truly horrendous music compared to this and i reserve sub 5 for those guys.

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Confusion will be my epitaph...

NumberNineDream

The next round album will be decided in 12 hours.

If anyone wants to suggest albums, it's now the time, as we don't have many suggestions for this week.
And if anyone still haven't reviewed The New Government Strikes album, there's still time for that too.

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FETCHER.

Er, I'm pretty sure I suggested albums to Amandria this week...

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