Art Brut

Art Brut's wonderful debut, Bang Bang Rock & Roll, was saved from the novelty bin by the English group's raucous playing and lead singer Eddie Argos' witty, off-the-cuff lyrics. Listening to "Formed A Band" gave you the impression the track might really have been recorded during their first practice. But follow-up It's A Bit Complicated somehow missed the mark, revealing just how fine a line the band were walking. Their latest doesn't restore them to the inspired brilliance of their debut, rather it feels more like the follow up they should have made. Producer Frank Black (of Pixies fame) wisely sticks to the "put them in a room and press record" aesthetic Argos celebrates on "Slap Dash for No Cash." Elsewhere the band explore the nuances of a morning after hangover ("Bring me tea/bring me coffee!") and the joys of public transportation. At times, Argos' lyrics feel forced, like on "DC Comics and Chocolate Milkshake," but then he drops a tune about how he's just discovered the Replacements (even he can't believe it took him this long) and all is forgiven.