Review Summary: A crisp-sounding, fun record for anyone looking for something to dance to.
Studio Killers is a new European Electro-Pop band emerging on the scene. They've already earned some buzz, already having 2 songs chart in some Western European countries. However, this band has a catch: the musicians are unknown. Like Gorillaz, they are a virtual band, made up of keyboardist Goldie Foxx, DJ Dyna Mink, and their diva lead: Chubby Cherry. Together they create a very fun record that delivers well. But how well? Let's see.
"Ode to the Bouncer", their 1st and most popular single, was a great way to introduce themselves to the world. With a pounding, groovable beat a good performance by Cherry, throughout the song Cherry is trying to get into the club, but is stopped by the "prick at the door". This brings up another compliment to the song: the lyrics. This brings a very relatable situation into the song. Lines like "I've got friends inside, It's my birthday tonight" and "What?! Her dress is up to waterline, bitch is clearly borderline" probably bring back memories of the club for many people.
While "Ode to the Bouncer" is their most recognized song, there are, of course other great tracks on the album. "Jenny", which probably has the most interesting sound and topic, is their 2nd biggest hit and brings a Carribbean-like sound to the mix which gives it a "summer jam" type of vibe, which it was...in Finland. This has become my favorite song on the album. There's also "Eros and Apollo", which talks about a man so perfect, "All the other men turn gay wherever he goes". This one is possibly their best lyrical output, letting out one witty line after another. Small note, there's a single, miniscule element after the bridge that suprisingly is one of my favorite moments of the album."Funky At Heart" has one of the best choruses of the record, even thoughall it contains lyrically is an occasional "woo". But it's just one of those electro choruses that will get people's hands in the air.
But if there had to be one song that stood apart from the rest was the 3rd single "All Men Are Pigs". If you could tell by the title, this one talks about feminism, which could be a somewhat tochy subject (look up "Anita Sarkeesian"). In my opinion, some lines, like the title itself and "I believe it's a poo-poo world" make the lyrical content a mixed bag. On the other side, this ones got a very inventive sound, coming 2nd to the previously mentioned "Jenny". And French. Lots of French. Speaking of foreign countries, the weakest song in my opinion is "In Tokyo". This one had such lyrical potential (Chubby Cherry in Tokyo!), but dissapointed sadly. But unlike "All Men Are Pigs", this ones instrumental can't make up for it.
In conclusion, while it's far from perfect, Studio Killers debut is a very enjoyable record that would please almost any Electro fan looking for a fun time. I look forward to their future work.
