Chicks On Speed - We Don't Play Guitars (Chicks On Speed Records)
UK release date: 29 September 2003
Some bands are more manifesto than music, and this is certainly true of electro-pop trio Chicks on Speed. With two record labels on the go and numerous other multimedia projects which include designing art
installations and selling leather clothing, it's clear that the Chicks are
more than just making music - they're creating a lifestyle.
Which is just as well really, since the music they make is pretty devoid of any substance. We Don't Play Guitars is well-designed in concept - a swaggering, slightly retro-sounding dance backing track with an attitude-fuelled catchy hook, which can be shouted along to at their gigs by
indie kids looking for a bit of irony in their lives.
Ultimately, it's empty, slightly sleazy trash-pop, which, given their clear aversion to guitar rock, is a verdict they'd probably be pleased with. However, with the current rise of unashamed poodle-rockers like The Darkness, I can't help feeling that the trend-ometer has swung back round again, rendering the Chicks' anti-rock sentiments as a bit tired and slightly uncool.
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