Ned's Atomic Dustbin
These Brits play a propulsive, almost hyperactive brand of alternative rock. Their enveloping, blocky guitars seldom back off, and nearly every song has a throbbing, chugga-chugga beat that seems intended to keep you dancing. For all that, there's something cushiony about their sound, due mostly to the lead singer, Jonn Penney, whose voice has a rounded, genial quality, even when he's trying to convey less than cordial sentiments. And that's the case fairly often. The lyrics, which an; often elliptical, range from the skeptical to the downright defensive.
The group could stand a little more rhythmic and textural variety—their sound can become numbing. But this record's irrepressible drive and sure melodic sense are more than enough to win you over. (Chaos/Columbia)
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