Innerpartysystem – The Download EP
Release Date: August 30, 2007
Record Label: Stolen Transmission
I think it is safe to say that the dance/electro-rock craze in the scene is on its downward stroke, and before long will be remembered in much the same (less than fond) way as nu-metal. Now, while generally rather harshly maligned, nu-metal did produce some pretty good acts that ended up transcending the flood of copycats and the natural churn in listener preferences. And when you fast forward a few years, it is not tough to imagine dance-rock in that same sort of setting. The majority of groups will have fizzled out while a few linger on. If there is any justice in the world, Innerpartysystem will be one of the bands to rise above the fade.
The thing that sets Innerpartysystem apart from its contemporaries is the way the band is not afraid to get a little dirt under their fingernails. While most electro acts focus so damn hard on being that squeaky clean soundtrack to radio-carried drives in Volkswagen Jettas, IPS has the kind of music that elicits emotions above the inoffensive satisfaction others are content with. The band really takes the best of The Killers’ Hot Fuss and puts a harder edge on it – both musically and lyrically. From the concussive beat on “Don’t Stop” to lyrics that proclaim, “The selfish blood runs through my veins/ I gave up everything for fame/ I am the life that you adore/ I feed the rich and fuck the poor,” it is clear this is no Brandon Flowers tribute band. That sublime brand of grit carries over into the frenzied, fuzzed-out energy of “Heart of Fire” and the devilishly catchy “The Way We Move.” The latter is undeniably danceable and would not sound out of place in the slickest of clubs, but it is not the “hey you’re cute – let’s go dance!” type of cut. It is the “get drunk and sweaty and make bad decisions tonight” sort instead. And with the excess of Nickelodeon-friendly offerings out there right now (I’m looking at you, Hellogoodbye), it is nice to strip away the lustrous sheen every once in a while.
Simply put, Innerpartsystem’s The Download EP is some of the raddest shit I have heard in a long time. There are plenty of records I have liked over the past few years for their musical merits in a much more traditional sense. IPS has that of course, with soaring hooks and bombastic beats. But it also has so much more - the band makes music that resonates with the most disillusioned of listeners. Personally, it makes me want to dance like an idiot and pick a whole bunch of fights at the same time, which is a pretty intriguing mix of emotions. All I can recommend is that you check out this EP and see what it does to you.
Awesome review for an awesome band, and an even better group of dudes. By the end of this year, this band will be on the tongue's of everyone on this site. Great, great, great band.
I'm not even slightly into this kind of music, which is why I avoided listening to this band. But after numerous recommendations I caved, and I have to say I love it (could be a nod to the transcending quality you referenced in your review.) I'm seeing them next Thursday with The Urgency and Young Love, so I'm very interested to see what they bring live (heard it doesn't disappoint). Good review, glad to hear that I'm not on a slippery slope towards this sound, maybe just found a gem in the pile.
I'm not even slightly into this kind of music, which is why I avoided listening to this band. But after numerous recommendations I caved, and I have to say I love it (could be a nod to the transcending quality you referenced in your review.) I'm seeing them next Thursday with The Urgency and Young Love, so I'm very interested to see what they bring live (heard it doesn't disappoint). Good review, glad to hear that I'm not on a slippery slope towards this sound, maybe just found a gem in the pile.
That is exactly the way I feel towards this genre/band.
And PS - I hear their live show in insane...check out some youtube vids for proof.
Blasted it while I was mowing the lawn, and I must say, it caught me off guard. The chorus's are huge, the beats are awesome, and the lyrics were surprisingly good. Definitely a band on the rise, I look forward to a full length.
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