New York duo Ratatat's eponymous debut album is a fully instrumental affair, and single Germany To Germany is the first offering from it. It's a dance/rock fusion in the same vein as The Rapture and Radio 4, but really doesn't possess any of the raw energy of either of these groups.
A lethargic blend of fuzzy guitars and electronics, you're constantly left wondering when it's going to burst into action. It doesn't - clocking in at about three and a half minutes, it simply fails to grab your attention. B-side Noose is much more of the same, you actually have to glance at your stereo to see whether the track has changed.
Their record label declares that they've made a sing along record with no words, but this sounds more pretentious than pragmatic. In a world where the best bands have lyrics, Ratatat really need to go back to the studio with a pen and paper. Best avoided unless you're a building contractor looking for some music to soundtrack your elevator.
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