Myspace has already condemned a generation of pimply - sometimes feral - youths to their computer, aimlessly waiting to see which of their friends have ‘poked’ them or added a new arty photo of themselves. More disturbingly, the very same website has also unleashed a heinous wave of stuttering, mockney-singing, NME cover vermin who are inevitably destined to chew up airwaves and monopolise the charts.
This is why it’s refreshing to find a record label prepared to take a risk and put some integrity back into the industry. Independent label Nice Weather for Air Strikes have dedicated themselves to promoting innovative and inspirational music - and Monsters Build Mean Robots are one of the many jewels in their sparkling crown.
MBMR's self-titled debut draws from a diverse bank of influences, mixing equal parts processed beats with soft vocals and artful arrangements. There are echoes of Sigor Ros and Explosions in the Sky on the beautiful ‘The Freedom To Fire Those Freedom Rockets,’ which deploys tremolo guitar licks and swirling atmospherics to devastating effect.
The duo have clearly taken issue with certain world events, and the album includes references to tanks, rockets and on one track (thisiswheretheoilcomesfrom.com) a website which clearly shows distaste for the oil industry. Sadly however, after a Google search it would appear that the website doesn’t exist.
However, it’s not all sweeping atmospherics and political referencing. Opening track ‘Do Uncles Dream of Electric Kids’ shares the familiar bassline grumble of an Aphex Twin song, and transitions seamlessly into the electric drum-loop laden ‘Stroll Into Flames To Find Self.’
You could easily roll you eyes at the fact that a band allegedly disillusioned with Myspace actually owns a Myspace - but that's just one of life’s little ironies. The fact is that we need labels like Nice Weather for Air Strikes to keep giving bands like MBMR a fair chance in an increasingly competitive industry. Monsters do indeed build mean robots – how else would you explain Jeremy Kyle? – but on the face of this LP, they also make some damn fine music.
Best new band in Glasgow, by a mile!
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