Baddies : 'Do The Job'
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Released: Out Now!!!
Label: Proper Records
Indie new boys Baddies try very hard, that much is evident. Yet despite the obvious effort ploughed into debut album Do The Job, it rarely fulfils it's title. With some undeniably catchy riffs, the album is spoilt by a lack of invention and some questionable production, turning what could have been a solid first album into a distinctly hit and miss affair.
Such an outcome is a great shame, as it is apparent that the band have the ability to generate some good ideas. “We Beat Our Chests” is a We Are Scientists influenced anthem, brimming with sugar – coated riffs and a strong, memorable vocal melody. Whilst it may not set the world on fire, it proves to be a likeable, and most importantly memorable effort, with some well executed vocal harmonies rounding off an impressive effort. Similarly, “Who Are You” is a more gritty, stripped down attempt, yet still containing passion and some slick guitar work, possessing hints of 80's ska and punk. What is impressive is that these tracks shine through some rather heavy handed production, not so noticeable on the more successful tracks, yet something that threatens to end all hope for the poorer ones.
The problem is, these flashes of inspiration get heavily bogged down in album filler, washing away any potential consistency or lasting impression. “Battleships”, despite another strong instrumental basis is drastically let down by almost unbearable vocals and an incessant repetition of vocals and guitars alike. Despite being just over two minutes long, the band manage to make this feel like a lifetime, maintaining the repetition to the very end. “Pisces” also fails to go anywhere, taking a heavier, more punk infused approach yet never getting out of the formulaic verse – chorus rut. Musically, it is nothing more than solid, yet when coupled with such a lack of invention this provides little comfort.
This repetition and apparent lack of ideas is by far the most frustrating thing about the album. On the surface, the band are more than capable of writing catchy riffs full of potential, yet very rarely seem capable of turning them into successful tracks. Curiously titled “Holler For My Holiday” provides a fitting example, with it's opening riff being likeable despite some rather crass lyrics. Yet, when two minutes of the track subsides and the same riff is still screaming out, any potential impact is easily forgotten. It seems that this problem is not limited to one track at a time either. Skip “Who Are You” on about forty seconds and you will hear music not without it's charm, yet do the same with “Colin”, and you will undoubtedly be surprised with the similarities between the two.
Such lazy song writing and lack of ingenuity is a great shame on an album that, given a more considered approach, could have been a great indie success. Instead, Do The Job becomes a tale of what might have been with flashes of brilliance being far outweighed by negativity. As first albums go it is not a total crisis point, and there are signs that Baddies have enough talent to reach their obvious potential.
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Posts: 1
Reply #1 on : Sun October 11, 2009, 14:07:06