Plain white Ts – Boomerang
Plain White T’s can only be enjoyed when taken for what they are – a twee, poppy band who will most likely only ever appeal to under 15s. With this firmly in mind, ‘Boomerang’ is a good song. So it’s not technically complex, nor is it great subject matter, as lead singer Tom Higgenson sings of a relationship with a girl to whom he keeps returning “like a boomerang”. Despite this, the song is catchy and enjoyable, with the piano standing out as adding a needed extra dimension.
Cage the elephant – Around My Head
Arguably, if you like Cage The Elephant then you will like this song, and if you don’t, you won’t. It’s very indie, very typical of the band’s brash sound and very focused on the clashing of guitars and drums. Frontman Matt Schultz is borderline singing/shouting away as always and there’s just nothing special about this single that distinguishes it from any other Cage The Elephant track. ‘Around My Head’ comes from their latest album Thank You, Happy Birthday, which was released back in January and reached number 26 in the UK charts.
LMFAO ft. Natalia Kills – Champagne Showers
Champagne Showers isn’t wildly new and improved compared to ‘Party Rock Anthem’, but then again, why would it be when its predecessor has reached such dizzying heights of success? It’s another crazy mix of genres, with all the right progressive build-ups and climaxes. The contribution of Natalia Kills features excessively auto-tuned high notes here and there, presumably not reflecting her in her best light. Although it is arguably not as instantly catchy as ‘Party Rock Anthem,’ it is still a brilliant track in its own right, and this new single will only heighten anticipation for the release of their album in June.
Gruff Rhys – Honey All over
As the name suggests, the latest single from the Super Furry Animal’s frontman is sweet. Almost too sweet. At best, the track is cute and laid back, tripping along at a steady but pleasant pace. At worst, it’s just a bit too much. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly too much of what, but the repetition of the title eventually grows irritating, and the jangling piano definitely doesn’t help. The lyrics at least provide a bit of refreshing pessimism as a contrast (“Maybe she dug you/but she never loved you”), and Rhys’ understated vocals are, as always, easy on the ear. Overall, though the track is weak, overloading a bit too much on the cute.