Does it Offend You, Yeah? – You Have No Idea What You’re Getting Yourself Into
Interesting – probably the first thing you’ll think after hearing this record. No words of irrational zealous praise of an album that transcends all moods and methods as an epic masterpiece in dance punk is created. Nor indeed any great lament of disappointment over another hyped to the Gods band that fails to live up to lofty praise preened upon them by pricks who wear sunglasses indoors. No, interesting is what you’ll find yourself thinking as you stroke your chin and maybe even nod a little if you’re so inclined.
For You Have No Idea What You’re Getting Yourself Into (or YHNIWYGI) as it shall henceforth be known) is an album of ambition and desire, even if its true aim is a little blurred by a grandiose share of artificial fuzz and visceral vocals.
Rightfully hailed as exciting prospects for 2008, Does it Offend You ,Yeah? Are as renowned for their god awful name as much as they are for creating frenetic, fast-paced electro-rock that would suit many a dance floor. And it’s this variety that will set YHNIWYGYI apart from the rest of the 2008’s dance ventures.
Take Dawn of the Dead. A song so good and full of soaring hedonism it could have easily fitted onto Justice’s brilliant Cross from 2007, and the perfect merger of pop nuance and futuristic imagination.
Battle Royale too provides an aggressive flair that shows an act not afraid to experiment to create something worth listening to. And the experimentation continues on the frenzied Attack of the 60ft Lesbian Octopus as a whole myriad of organs and whistles and dirty guitars create as vivid a sound as the creative title suggests.
Full of clever moments and smart ideas this is as impressive a debut heard so far this year, and one that will definitely still be being played come the New Year’s parties.
8.3/10
