Here is a band that polarise opinion. Championed by sections of the music media and growing ever popular in the US (‘we love those crazy Brits’) but also seemingly loathed by many UK fans. The reason is the vocals. Frontman Eddie Argos doesn’t really sing but more speaks over the songs in an unmistakable and at times almost embarrassing English accent. It can take some getting used to.
Art Brut vs. Satan is the bands third album and follows a similar trend to their previous releases. The music is a fairly generic sound typical of many current British bands. A sort of spiky rock straddling the fence of indie and punk but there is a few nice riffs which break through. Highlights include Am I Normal with some nice melodic guitar underpinning a confession of opportunities missed. Slap Dash For No Cash is catchy three minute burst and epic closer Mysterious Bruises builds to an almost funk backing track before a fist in the air outro.

Lyrically there’s social commentary, small townisms and tales of growing up. Demons Out! for example is an enjoyable anguished rant about the idiots who buy chart music. Throughout the album there’s many popular culture references mostly to bands like The Replacements, The Clash, Iggy Pop, U2, the Beatles, The Stones, The Warm Jets. Some complimentary some not.

Rock legend Black Francis produced this record but Pixie’s fans looking for a hit may be disappointed as its hard to make out his stamp on proceedings. However if you can get into the vocal styling then you might find this album a pleasant surprise.

By Alex Telfer

Rating: 7/10
Format: Album
Release Date: Out Now
Label: Cooking Vinyl
www.artbrut.org.uk