BodyRockers :: Wessex Scene Online

BodyRockers

7th November 2005
CW

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The concept of the BodyRockers is one of the most original around. Comparable only to Goldfrapp they are a two-piece comprising of a rock vocalist (Dylan Burns) and a DJ (Kaz James). In the past, when asked to describe their style of music they have answered that they create "rock and roll with electronic soul". Personally I would turn this description on its head. Although the catchy hit song ‘I Like The Way’ was concentrated around a rock theme, the majority of the album is distinctly electronic dance-orientated.

‘I Like The Way’ gave me great hopes for this LP but I was extremely disappointed to find that those hopes came to nothing and that this song was at the top of a hill with a long downwards slope.

The album was saved solely by ‘Stuck In A Rut’ which moves away from electronica and has a slower melody with soulful lyrics thereby managing to display an otherwise unseen level of variation. A few of the other tunes such as ‘Handel On Your Face’ start in an agreeable way before returning to the same problem. It is too dancey for rock fans and too rocky for dance people. It may appeal to a select few but most will prefer something with stronger foundations.

Perhaps this is too negative. Dylan Burns does produce some fantastic vocals and the heavy electric guitar with strong bass beats mean that it wouldn’t be difficult to dance to most of the tracks in a club. The track ‘Dirty’ in fact, with its upbeat rhythm and guitar solos, would suit this perfectly.

Remembering this is only a first album there is potential here for good music, but it is too adventurous. Bridging the gap between two very different genres is a difficult task. Unlike recent attempts from the likes of Goldfrapp, BodyRockers have just fallen short.

5/10