Search - Chk Chk Chk (!!!) :: Louden Up Now

It's a grower, honestly

Michael Hann | London United Kingdom | 06/21/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"First of all, let's be frank: !!! are at their strongest performing live. We can be more specific, even: !!! are at their strongest performing live in a small, unconventional venue, where the barriers between audience and crowd can be broken down, and where Nic Offer - not exactly Wilson Pickett behind the mic - can come into his own as a cheerleader and orchestrator of the throng, instead of having to be 'just' the singer. The first time I saw !!! was one of those near life-changing experiences. I danced for the first time in, oh, seven years - the first time since my wedding reception. For weeks afterwards I was proselytising like those acid house evangelists in 87/88. "You must see this band," I instructed everyone I knew. I listened to "Me and Giuliani ..." and the first album (on GSL) nearly constantly for ages. And then, after a year of waiting, this album arrived. And goodness was I disapponted. It seemed to be a shapeless, formless mess of percussion. Where were the songs? Where were those fabulous 80s brass stabs? Where was the structure? After a couple of plays I put it aside for a few weeks. And then I returned. And you know what: the weather was warmer, everyone seemed happier, and the album seemed a whole lot better."Louden Up Now" isn't a record for listening to intently all the way through. Offer is a hopeless singer, and his lyrics are asinine. But the album is a groove: it's one for parties; it's one for cleaning the house to; it's one for playing in the car ; it's one for pretty well all of everyday life, without ever descending into background music. Like one of the other reviewers, I do think it hangs together better than The Rapture's Echoes: it seems less contrived, more organic, unconcerned with touching all the stylistic bases. And while I think it will only make perfect sense to those who have seen the band - which has to be considered a weakness - I think anyone prepared to spend enough time with "Louden Up Now" will come to recognise its own strengths.Next time though, chaps, a little bit less jamming and a little more in the way of songcraft. Please? I guarantee you more people will want to buy your records - and we know from "Giuliani" that you can do it."

A very strange-yet-creative and entertaining dance album - I

C. Cross | 01/06/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"!!!'s (or Chik Chik Chik's) "Louden Up Now" is a very odd dance album which somehow manages to be pretty good despite its strangeness. Most of the songs have hard-hitting beats and catchy instrumentation which should distract you from how weird the songs are. The singer does get a little out of control in a bad way sometimes (parts of "Hello? Is This Thing On?", but it's not annoying to the point of you hating the song). There are no bad songs here which helps in making the album appealing as a dance set. I'm not sure how to describe it musically - it's usually pretty complex and features random electronic blips, bloops and samples during some of the songs. You'll just have to hear it for yourself. If you're looking for a great and quirky dance album then this is a good one to pick up, even if it's definitely strange. Highly recommended!



Highlights include:

the entire album!"

My, my, my

J. Cons | Ithaca | 09/07/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I must admit, I'm baffled by the many bad reviews of this album. I got it shortly after it came out and over a year later, it remains one of my favorites. This music just makes you feel good. If you ever loved gang of four... if you think that profanity makes a good aesthetic statement... if you want to hear one of the great dance numbers of all time (me and giuliani down by the schoolyard)... if you like to dance... if you want some funk in your politics...



get this album with no delay!"