Riot on the radio
Paul Reynolds | NW England | 01/02/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Britpop is not dead. Not since 94/95 has there been a resurgence in British indie rock bands and The Dead 60s are a fine example of a new indie band. The three singles in the album are the most noticeable; Loaded Gun, Ghostfaced Killer and (the excellent) Riot Radio. Loaded Gun is a great example of The Dead 60s using guitar work typical of an indie band, but having a jamming beat underneath it. Ghostfaced Killer sounds like a Kaiser Cheifs' song, with its catchy lyrics and tune, but without the woahhh before the chorus. Again, a ska beat is used underneath it, similiar to the ska/indie of Madness. If Ghostfaced Killer is catchy, Riot Radio is addictive. The first song on the album and the best, shows what a great new guitar band The Dead 60s are, with a chorus that you pick up instantly.
The rest of the songs are not without merit: A Different Age, although only 93 seconds long, is about as urgent as a song can get, with a rapid bassline. You're Not The Law is reminiscent of the post-punk era, a song that wouldnt sound of place in a Clash lineup. Similiar to this is Horizontal, urgent and slightly punk sounding. A couple of the songs on the album drag, with Soul Survivor being the only song I didn't like.
Overall, definitely get the album if you like Kaiser Chiefs, Bloc Party or Hard-Fi (who are extremely similiar to these).
On a side note, The Dead 60s are amazing live, especially with Riot Radio. If you like live indie music, go to one of their gigs."