The Futureheads: Self-titled

first_imgBefore reaching for the play button on your stereo, you would be correct in thinking you are about to listen to an understated, ‘lets-just-give-it-ago- and-see-what-happens’ album; it promises to last a mere 33 minutes and 35 seconds. The unoriginality of the title of The Futureheads debut album (given its name due to “complications and some more thinking”) shouldn’t put you off. Even the fact that the band’s name is unashamedly “more or less nicked” from the Flaming Lips’ album ‘ Hit to death in the Futurehead’, has not stopped critics from boldly suggesting that the four northern lads are set to revolutionize the pop-punk scene. The cover is a bit of a let-down, but this album is worth giving the benefit of the doubt to. The first bars of the opening track ‘Le Garage’ lure you in gently, and deceptively, since there is nothing gentle either about the rest of the track or the remaining thirteen. Its surprisingly short length is a cunning trick, since this tantalizing opening leaves you sitting on the edge of your seat wanting to hear a few more snippets. The musical appeal gains momentum as you delve deeper into the album, with energetic bursts of rock and jerky, repetitive rhythms. The lyrics are haphazard at times, but maybe that just adds to the punk-pop effect. This is headbashing stuff, but in a pure, unadulterated British style. And what a style it is. This is one debut album well worth a listen.ARCHIVE: 4th week TT 2004last_img read more