Fuzzy Bits:
Release Date: April 15
Sounds Like: A admirable and fun debut that falls just shy of being great.
Overall Rating: 87
While it’s possible to write these guys off as another electronic noise-punk band that relies far too heavily on Daft Punk (especially upon first hearing “Battle Royale”), the truth is that Does It Offend You, Yeah? isn’t nearly as pretentious as their name would lead you to believe. Instead, it’s merely a bunch of blokes having fun with music and, in their own little way, attempting to push the musical envelope on the way. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t as much, but it’s always a bit fun. The Rapture-esque “With A Heavy Heart (I Regret to Inform You),” is a standout track with its raucous, over-the-top delivery that never lets up. Similarly, “We Are Rockstars” is another stand out, perfectly balancing the powerful anthemic electro-riff and 80’s pop. When the band completely embraces 80’s pop, the results are successful on the surface, but at the same time, feel rather generic– especially “Dawn of the Dead” and “Doomed Now.” The instrumental “Attack of the 60 ft Lesbian Octopus” probably could’ve been left as a b-side but is a highly enjoyable song nonetheless and makes for a nice one, two punch as it segues into the head-nodding “Let’s Make Out.” Clearly, despite the majority of songs being pure party songs, Does It Offend You, Yeah? wants to be taken seriously. This is particularly evident on the closing “Epic Last Song,” an unexpected gem that expands on the previously established sound of the band and adds a does of pop sensibility. While much of <i>You Have No Idea…</i> seems to follow a paint by numbers approach, the truth is that Does It Offend You, Yeah? is an extremely talented band that only disappoints because of the larger than life hype that preceded the release of their debut. They may not save the day, but they’ll certainly garner a lot of play in your daily rotation and generate a lot of smiles in the process.
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