by Matthew Paul Bailey
Daily Lobo
Born out of the mundane frustration of small-town Britain, Ordinary Boys' first release comes across as a necessary and emotive rebuttal of British life.
The band's music has been described as a mix of the Smiths and the Jam, but Over the Counter Culture belongs undeniably to the present.
The four band members are longtime friends, and this comes through in their music and live shows, which receive rave reviews in Britain. Lyrically superb, the album exposes the thoughts and feelings of the band and speaks for an increasingly cynical young-adult population.
The album just bubbled under mainstream success in its home country, reaching No. 10 on the charts. Success for Ordinary Boys abounds in Japan, where the album went to No. 1. If mainstream success in America occurs for this quartet, it will come like an explosion, thanks to the sheer catchiness of the music and genius of the lyrics.
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While it is somewhat nihilistic on the surface, upon further listening, a sense of optimism is discovered. The album tells you that you are not alone, that other people feel as you do. The sense of community it creates is one of the record's greatest strengths.
Listeners who enjoy British music will enjoy this album. The lyrics and tone of the album seem exclusive to Britain.
While the band members are young - three are 19, and one is 21 - they have created an album mature beyond their years. Over the Counter Culture exposes the realities of British life. It destroys the idealistic Hugh Grant image and lays bare the ills and benefits of contemporary British society. It paints a picture of truth using music.
The influence of Morrissey and the Smiths is acknowledged by the band whose name comes from a Morrissey song. Haunting and thought provoking in line with Morrissey and the Smiths, it is easy to see why comparisons have been drawn. The vocals sound remarkably similar to Morrissey.
The album's 12 songs take the listener through a variety of emotions and thoughts.
There is a range of tempos present on the record. Slower songs such as "Just a Song" and "In the Awe of the Awful" are contrasted by the raucous punk "Maybe Someday" and a cover of The Specials' "Little Bitch."
There's a pleasing lack of filler tracks on this album. Every song is vital and portrays a different idea.
Some might say the band's music is not particularly innovative, simply a creation of older acts in a handsome and fashionable 2004 package. However, the Ordinary Boys are a vibrant and vital band that have potential to be enormous. English music seems to be coming into a new renaissance, of which the Ordinary Boys are and will be an essential part of.
Over The Counter Culture
Ordinary Boys
Grade: A
