New Young Pony Club - Fantastic Playroom

4.5 out of 5 stars

Whether it was their intention of not, “Fantastic Playroom” reminded me of the B52’s (you may remember the song “Love Shack” from gym class, but trust me, the songs are much better when you don’t associate them with line dancing). A much edgier version of the B52’s. There is the same sense of excitement to their songs, the same randomness to the lyrics and the same slightly frenetic, off-kilter beat.

My personal favorites are “The Bomb”, “Jerk Me” and “F.A.N.” I enjoyed the shifts from excitement to deadpan cynicism. The intentional (I imagine) breaks in rhythm and tone highlight their words and drive the meaning home. For all that their voices are often without inflection, it makes sense for it is more the rhythm that drives the music on than the voices. If you like your music edgy and random, I recommend “Fantastic Playroom.”