Packed full of retro 80s sounds, which have been a popular feature of the music scene lately, Alphabeat had scored a major hit with their debut single – not bad going for who only formed four years ago. But with the success of 'Fascination' can the band produce more hits from their album, 'This is Alphabeat' before being consigned to the dust bin of musical one-hit-wonders?
Well while none of the tracks on offer match up to the glittering heights of 'Fascination', this is an extremely well produced pop/rock album. In fact one of it strengths is the readiness the band show to explore other sounds and distance themselves from the cheesiness of their debut single. Forthcoming single '10,000 Nights of Thunder' is a full of sweet lyrics and harmonies –perfect for summer listening and firecracker track 'Fantastic 6' has the sparkle and lyrical jabs reminiscent of sparky nineties US outfit B-52s.
Lead singers Anders Nielsen and Stine Bramsen continue their up-beat and happy outlook on life with 'Rubber Boots/Mackintosh' – which has New York glam rockers the Scissor Sisters fingerprints all over it. But for a band who obviously like mixing it up a bit, even a little bit of country and western isn't off limits as illustrated on 'Nothing But My Baby.'
Ultimately however, if you found listening to 'Fascination' was the musical equivalent of hearing fingernails scrapping down a chalkboard, then there's very little on this album would tempt you to reassess your judgement. This album is purely for pop lovers.