The ’ 2003 album Ego War introduced us to a duo who seemed to defy pigeon-holing with their blend of distinctly British sound that was neither house nor breaks nor hip-hop but took influence from all of these and more. New album Generation is decidedly pop by comparison but still very much an intelligent score for the lives of young people today.
Many tracks nod towards Mike Skinner with lyrics that one can easily envisage being penned on the back of a beer mat that are delivered in a dull but effective monotone.
Elsewhere, the duo go back to their dance roots with breaks, stabs and lyrics that appeal to the chemical generation more than to the masses who bought into their phenomenally successful re-working of that Nancy Sinatra track.
It seems to me that the mish-mash of unashamed pop and immutable electronic dance sounds do not make for an album that flows naturally. But that said, there is lots of variation in the influences for each track and the result is an album that does not bore and has a wide appeal.
Rating: 3/5
Record Label: Virgin
Link: www.audiobullys.co.uk
Words B: Sarah Chapman
