Late of the Pier

I was really excited to hear this band and purchase this album. I liked it so much that I posted three songs on my blog. Late of the Pier or someone representing them sent a DMCA takedown notice to my bloghost even though I post on my blog that any artist can email me directly and I will remove the mp3. I believe that putting up a couple songs (not the entire album) promotes the band, helps spread the word and leads to more ticket, album and merchandise sales. I've emailed the band through their myspace and facebook pages. I wanted to know if they were aware of what happened and what were their thoughts on music blogs giving them free promotion. I have yet to receive a response. Disappointing.

In my opinion, it's the best album of the year, just ahead of One Day As A Lion (I know it's an EP...but still) and Flying Lotus' Los Angeles. Some people dislike the Klaxons comparison, and I get that. But it's sort of true....but then you'd have to add in some Talking Heads, The Time (Prince's side production project back in the day), and some others. It's a very dynamic and kinetic album in every way. Some parts punk and funk, but all excellent. A definite must-purchase of 2008.

My first reaction is, what on earth is this? Songs like "Bears" sound like a novelty piece culled from The White Album, updated with synth squeaks and squawks and a reggae beat, just awful. But this Midlands UK band is actually serious, and have gathered a following in the old country.

They obviously lean to a very quirky style, part King Crimson and part Clash. For the most part that's going to hurt the ears, but occasionally it can actually work, like on "Broken", where a decent melody provides a base to hang the weird touches on. On the other hand, the good beat in "Heartbeat" is rather wrecked by the repetitive lyrics and offbeat goings on.

I don't know what to say, so maybe I shouldn't. But it hasn't been reviewed, and is very much under the radar, so I'll offer this; if something like Frank Zappa or Oingo Boingo is to your taste, pick this up, I think you'll find it interesting. It's certainly competent and challenging.

I was really excited to hear this band and purchase this album. I liked it so much that I posted three songs on my blog. Late of the Pier or someone representing them sent a DMCA takedown notice to my bloghost even though I post on my blog that any artist can email me directly and I will remove the mp3. I believe that putting up a couple songs (not the entire album) promotes the band, helps spread the word and leads to more ticket, album and merchandise sales. I've emailed the band through their myspace and facebook pages. I wanted to know if they were aware of what happened and what were their thoughts on music blogs giving them free promotion. I have yet to receive a response. Disappointing.

In my opinion, it's the best album of the year, just ahead of One Day As A Lion (I know it's an EP...but still) and Flying Lotus' Los Angeles. Some people dislike the Klaxons comparison, and I get that. But it's sort of true....but then you'd have to add in some Talking Heads, The Time (Prince's side production project back in the day), and some others. It's a very dynamic and kinetic album in every way. Some parts punk and funk, but all excellent. A definite must-purchase of 2008.

My first reaction is, what on earth is this? Songs like "Bears" sound like a novelty piece culled from The White Album, updated with synth squeaks and squawks and a reggae beat, just awful. But this Midlands UK band is actually serious, and have gathered a following in the old country.

They obviously lean to a very quirky style, part King Crimson and part Clash. For the most part that's going to hurt the ears, but occasionally it can actually work, like on "Broken", where a decent melody provides a base to hang the weird touches on. On the other hand, the good beat in "Heartbeat" is rather wrecked by the repetitive lyrics and offbeat goings on.

I don't know what to say, so maybe I shouldn't. But it hasn't been reviewed, and is very much under the radar, so I'll offer this; if something like Frank Zappa or Oingo Boingo is to your taste, pick this up, I think you'll find it interesting. It's certainly competent and challenging.