Review: Art Brut - Art Brut vs Satan (* * * *)

Art Brut is the kind of band that shouldn't be able to make three good albums. That's not to say they aren't talented, but the whole project should have worn out it's welcome by now. When they burst onto the scene several years ago with Bang Bang Rock 'n' Roll, the band's quirky post-punk style - combined with singer Eddie Argos' talk-sing vocals - was certainly fun and a breath of fresh air, but it never felt quite sustainable. Now, four years later, the boys are still doing pretty much the same thing, and I - for one - am still having a great time. Argos' whit is very much intact and the band continue to provide sharp, angular rock 'n' roll riffs that make their latest effort, Art Brut vs Satan, a solid return for these lovable and seemingly perpetual underdogs.

Lead track and first single, "Alcoholics Unanimous," has been in constant rotation for me for the last month or so and provides a fantastic kick-off for the record. Argos spends the time wondering about what exactly happened to him the night before while his friends shout out less than encouraging and often contradictory phrases during the chorus ("I've been making mistakes - lots of mistakes! I'm hiding it well - Not very well!"). Argos is still primarily dealing with his inability to properly manage his life and his penchant for causing awkward situations, but he's clever enough that it doesn't get stale. "DC Comics and Chocolate Milkshake" is an enthusiastic ode to never growing up, "Am I Normal?" is all about romantic failures, and "Summer Job" discusses trading work for time with friends.

Argos has some less than inspired moments scattered throughout the disc, like the boring public transportation anthem "The Passenger" or the tuneless "Slap Dash for No Cash," but he's on so much of the time the misfires don't stick out much. Adding to the record's consistency is the explosive mix of spiky guitars, frenetic drums, and backing vocals that always hit the spot. Art Brut may love punk music, but they can't hide their obsession with pop melodies and anthematic choruses. Albums these days are generally top-heavy, but Art Brut close 'vs Satan' with a fantastic three-song set, starting with the funky, danceable "Twist and Shout," continuing with the previously mentioned "Summer Job" and ending in the confused, catchy "Mysterious Bruises," the latter of which is well over seven minutes long.

Art Brut is a band that can take little getting used to, but Art Brut vs Satan is the kind of record that's easy to love and was made to be enjoyed. Featuring spectacular production from Pixies frontman Frank Black and a fresh, invigorated effort from the boys, this could be the perfect addition to your summer collection. I imagine these guys will have to grow up eventually, but while they keep making such great records, I don't mind that they take their time.

Oh, and be sure to check out the video for "Alcoholics Unanimous"

Art Brut release debut single and B-side from upcoming album

Art Brut is set to release their new album, Art Brut vs. Satan, on May 12, but you can get a preview of the upcoming record over at Pitchfork, where they're streaming the first single, "Alcoholics Unanimous," a rousing punk-rock tune with a fantastic group-shout chorus and some blistering guitar lines. Also, you can download an exclusive B-side, "Just Desserts," over at RCRD LBL.

The new album was produced by Frank Black and recorded over twelve days last December and will be the group's first effort since severing their relationship with EMI. About the songwriting process, frontman Eddie Argos said, “I had an album’s worth of songs written, but once we got there we wrote four or five new ones. It all just flooded out.” If this first single is any indication, May 12 is a day we should all be looking forward to.