Perusing the promo sump, I stumbled throughout Idiot Robot, intrigued by the grunge tag they have been saddled with. Being an avid fan of the ’80’s/’90’s grunge scene, Seattle rock motion and ’90’s alt-rock typically, I’m a sucker for this shit. Hell, even 2023’s Somnuri album, which kicked countless arse, sealed my love with its earwormy grunge hooks and melodies. Underneath nearer investigation, I noticed our resident spongey buddy Kenstrosity reviewed the Floridian duo’s self-titled debut album in 2020, the place regardless of endearing parts of nostalgia, the tip outcome was one thing akin to a dumpster hearth. Practically 4 years have handed, and everybody has room for enchancment, proper? Let’s dive into the bizarre musical dimensions of the sophomore album from these enjoyable-loving goons, entitled Anti Pop Culture.
The place to begin with describing Idiot Robot? ’90’s different rock is the plain area the place the duo nonetheless operates. Within the promotional supplies, Idiot Robot cite outstanding bands comparable to Mudhoney, Screaming Timber, Pavement and Husker Du, together with labels together with Sub Pop and Matador Data, as loves and influences. These musical influences aren’t completely correct to the precise music the duo deploys throughout the album. Ryan Michalski (vocals, guitar, bass, synths, drums) and Clint Itemizing (vocals, guitar, bass) go greater and bolder on this second opus, bumping runtime as much as a hefty 50 minutes as they mix stripped-again aesthetics and a laidback, slacker attraction, with fuzzy indie-pop melodies and tone that fluctuates from dreary, melancholy vibes (“By no means Once more,” “Ready Round”) to snotty pop-punk and fuzzy rock angst (‘Cease,” “Gonna Cry”).
Credit score the place credit score is due, the fabric comprising Anti Pop Culture feels extra developed and refined in comparison with the naked bones, lo-fi misfires of the debut. Regardless of this layer of refinement, however a somewhat low-high quality promo file offered, Idiot Robot make sure the grittier, DIY tone just isn’t scrubbed fully clear. Moreover, Idiot Robot handle to mission ripples of ’90’s different rock nostalgia and heartfelt emotion into the album. Opening single “Colours and Sounds” options respectable power and Pixies-esque shades, although a recurring concern with repetition and troublesome vocals takes the shine off. Simplistic, melancholic ballad “By no means Once more” has hints of a subdued Nirvana, and even Elliott Smith, executed Idiot Robot fashion. It’s not half unhealthy on the floor however doesn’t actually liftoff, earlier than ending abruptly. Additional vocal layers and synths adorn “Why Should I,” a track badly in want of route and a much less repetitive, irritating refrain. After a promising begin, the angsty angle of “Cease” devolves right into a laughably unhealthy “Cease/Go/Cease” refrain chorus. I don’t advocate sipping on a beverage whereas listening to this one. By now you most likely get the image of the album’s unlucky flaws.
Shifting from fuzzy, buzzy rockers to acoustic-pushed pop ditties with restricted success, together with main points in execution and the crafting of tuneful, attention-grabbing or memorable songs, Anti Pop Culture is a troublesome album to love or endorse. Any endearing or redeemable parts are drowned out by the album’s misfiring songwriting, strangled melodies, and grating, ceaselessly shoddy vocal efficiency. Songs just like the moody, acoustic-primarily based rock of “Ready Round” contains a strong musical basis, undone by one other ho-hum association and nerve-shredding singing that once more misses the mark. “Say It” rumbles with heavier guitar work and grinding distortion, earlier than severely hampering itself with one other shocker of a one-dimensional refrain that seems like a foul parody. “Dad & Mother” contains a darker tone, mushy-loud dynamics, and lyrical themes of alcoholism and home violence. The execution is somewhat heavy-handed, however uncooked emotion and rigidity is successfully conveyed. In the meantime, the jovial, melodic pop-punk of “One Night time” presents a refreshing change of tempo.
Idiot Robot is a duo making music for the love of creating music, and I’d by no means query their cussed dedication to their wonky craft, or the real emotion, throwback vibes and likable DIY aesthetics permeating Anti Pop Culture. Regardless of my restricted publicity to their debut, Anti Pop Culture sounds extra assured, various and refined by comparability. Sadly, that is offset by a considerably bloated runtime, uninteresting or undeveloped preparations, and songwriting that both goes nowhere attention-grabbing, or lacks cohesion or ear-catching moments. Throw in some somewhat questionable lyrics and a routinely strained vocal efficiency that misses the mark constantly, and Anti Pop Culture is a curious hear, however in the end unsuccessful, deeply flawed sophomore outing.
Ranking: 1.5/5.0
DR: 7 | Format Reviewed: 155 kbps mp3
Label: Self-Launch
Web sites: fb.com/Idiotrobot | idiotrobot.bandcamp.com
Releases Worldwide: March 15th, 2024