- Release date:
- July 15, 2008
- Artist/Band name:
- Natalie Portman's Shaved Head
- Record label:
- Team Swan
- Official Web Site:
- http://www.myspace.com/natalieportmansshavedhead
Backstory: Who says all the cheesy retro electro-pop has to start in Brooklyn? Seattle has its own crew that can’t get enough of 808 drum machines, Casio synths and funny, self-conscious lyrics; apparently, neither can the music industry, as the group’s recent tour forays with CSS, some nice blog love and a couple of industry shows attest to a possible major label breakthrough. Should you be worried?
Why you should care: In spite of its obviousness, “Glistening Pleasure” has enough energy and nerdy charm to cause some awkwardly wonderful dance floor moments—at its best, it’s a jokier take on Young Love. Best example: “Mouth Full of Bones,” a pretty good slice of guitar indie-pop (before an inevitable synth breakdown), and a song with more than a few chuckle-worthy lines. Which isn’t always the case: the faux-R&B high-pitched vocals and come-ons of frontmen Luke Smith and Shaun Libman are an acquired taste. Some relief comes in the form of synth bassist (yes, synth bassist) Claire England, whose bratty asides in “Sophisticated Side Ponytail” provide the group a bit of much-needed grit.
Verdict: If you ever wanted the goofy beats of Dan Deacon with the eighth-grade humor of Nerf Herder, you finally have your wish. Otherwise, the retro grooves here provide only a brief burst of pleasure…and few repeat listens.
X-Factor: The “Shaved Head” these guys speak of refers to Natalie Portman’s hairless role in the 2006 sci-fi movie “V for Vendetta” (which, the band claims on its blog, they have never seen).
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