Art Brut
albums
Band Members: Eddie Argos - Vocals
Chris Chinchillin - Guitar
Ian Catskillin - Guitar
Fredrica Feedback - Bass
Mike -Drums
Best Album: Bang Bang Rock and Roll
Biggest Influences: The Dead Kennedys, The Velvet Underground, The Modern Lovers
2005
Bang Bang Rock and Roll - 7/8
Looking for a nice jolt of rebellious, fast rock music that is actually good in the year 2005? The
debut by Art Brut would fill that void. There are not many places this kind of music would be
unacceptable: in the car, at a party, by yourself, it works everywhere. The band has a denial of
conventions, and while they do have their own style (the singer talks more than sings, and the
harmonies are unusually bright for a band this fast and hard) I would not say they are unlike anything I
have ever heard. But as much as this might sound like a lighter, more English Dead Kennedys, it is a
very easy to like album. From the bashing "Formed a Band" to "18,000 Lira" the album never lets up and
I refuse to finish the sentence there. I hate when critics say things like that. For real though, this is some
fast, hard, dare I say punky sounding stuff. I would consider these guys true "punk" music though,
because they really do their own thing and actually admit it in their songs! Saying "We formed a band,
look at us", "My little brother just discovered rock n' roll", "I can't stand the sound of the Velvet
Underground", and "modern art makes me want to rock ouuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuut!!!" are more than
most bands would be able to conjure up. They are not some overly serious band though, way more
carefree than anything. They even have some very VU sounding stuff on "Bang Bang Rock 'n Roll",
which proves they probably love the Velvets (who wouldn't?). While all songs have a signature sound,
some sound a little too much like others ("Stand Down" when compared to "Rusted Guns of Milan") and
some are kind of dead end for the band's style ("Moving to L.A.", and "Fight" is a little silly). Most of the
album is great though, and with songs like the oddball anthem "Modern Art", the rocking "Bad Weekend"
and "Good Weekend", and the futuristic "Rusted Guns of Milan", the album leaves a lasting impression
for sure. Will they ever be hip? Doubtful. Will they have a successful career? Probably. I'll end the review
there. - Trevor e.y.
1.formed a band- 4
2.my little brother- 4
3.emily kane- 3
4.rusted guns of milan- 4
5.modern art- 4
6.good weekend- 4
7.bang bang rock and roll- 4
8.fight- 2
9.moving to l.a.- 2
10.bad weekend- 4
11.stand down- 3
12.18,000 lira- 3
2007
It's a Bit Complicated - 3/8
It is hilarious how much can change in two years. In the review of the last album I wrote that Art Burt
will have a successful career but never be fashionable. Now I want to reverse that statement! In 2007,
"indie rock" and garage rock are back in, and Art Brut is honestly one of the more successful bands
around - on several late night shows an on tour with The Hold Steady. They will definitely be
remembered for Bang Bang Rock 'n Roll, and rightfully so, but they have become a little more
fashionable to like then they deserve. See, there is not a single great song on It's a Bit Complicated.
There are however a couple of good ones in "People in Love" and "I Will Survive", some alternate
instrumentation on "Late Saturday Evening" and other songs, and better guitar riffing all around. Most
songs on here just seem like mere routine though, there is nothing worth getting this record for. It is a
chore to listen to and uninspired, which is too bad given the excitement of the debut. This album is
simply a huge let down, and fashionable or not, a successful career (in my opinion) is built upon good
music. Let's hope in the future we hear some of that. - Trevor e.y.
1.pump up the volume- 2
2.direct hit- 2
3.st. pauli- 1
4.people in love- 3
5.late saturday evening- 1
6.i will survive- 3
7.post soothing out- 2
8.blame it on the trains- 1
9.sound of summer- 2
10.nag nag nag nag- 2
11.jealous guy- 1
 |  |  |  |  |
