by Debra Au
Daily Lobo
Despite an awkward appearance - six men dressed up in exotic animal masks - there is something special about Men, Women and Children.
It's a little techno. It's a little pop. It's a little punk, a little funk. Maybe a little bit more techno. And, really, what's not to love about a group of guys who look like they just auditioned for the musical version of "The Lion King"?
The group's debut self-titled album, which was released on March 21, is a high-energy, in-your-face conglomeration of updated disco, new wave music of the '80s and some of the latest techno sounds at the loudest raves.
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There are prevalent throwbacks to the likes of the '80s genre of music. To my ear, albeit a little tone deaf, the intro to "The Name of the Train is the Hurricane" sounds almost like Eddy Grant's "Electric Avenue." There's also the return of the synthesizer on "Photosynthesis (We're Losing O2)." And while I'm glad this multifaceted musical instrument hasn't shown its face for almost 20 years, it was a little refreshing to hear it again. It can now go back in hiding for another two decades.
The first single, "Dance in My Blood" is an eclectic dance mix of electronic sounds and an infectious chorus of "You don't need a reason to get out on the dance floor." It's a sure-fire hit that will soon be on repeat play at all the local dance clubs and personal stereos alike.
While the lyrics aren't refreshingly witty or completely original, they do serve as a source of amusement. One needs only to listen to "Vowels," which is mainly comprised of just that - a chanting of "A, E, I, O, U." But hey, at least it's a refresher in case you've forgotten between kindergarten and English 101.
While listeners may hear a resemblance to the group Panic At the Disco, I find Men, Women and Children a bit more upbeat. The entire album is 45 minutes of nonstop dance songs. It's sure to raise the blood pressure by more than a couple of points.
Even though it may be tiring to listen to the entire album, it's perfect to boost your energy for those all-nighters when you need to finish a paper or study for a test, or even on those sleepless nights when you feel like futilely rearranging the furniture in your dorm.
Overall, Men, Women and Children isn't your average-looking techno dance group, but who cares what the group is wearing when you're having fun getting down to these funky and psychedelic tunes. Let them wear all the zebra masks they want, so long as they don't slow down the beats.
Grade: A-
