The Deal: Brit pop duo releases debut disc, is popping up just about everywhere these days.
The Good: The band caused quite a stir at SXSW this year and are riding high on that wave. Indie pop-dance music with a slight rock edge balanced by the vocals of Katie White. The first single, “Great DJ,” is a fine example of what you’d hear on the rest of the album – pop, electronic, simple lyrics. There definitely is an overwhelming ’80s synth-pop influence all over this disc. The title track has a simple guitar riff backed by a drum beat that you’d expect from Dee-Lite.
The Bad: The Ting Tings are a band that you’ll either love or hate. Their often-repetitive lyrics will be catchy or annoying. I can’t imagine there being much of a middle ground here. “That’s Not My Name” came straight from the ’80s and is a perfect love-it or hate-it example. “Shut Up and Let Me Go” has a bass riff similar to “Another One Bites the Dust.”
The Verdict: The Ting Tings are another band with a ton of buzz around them – the latest cool kids from England. The music is catchy and a bit quirky, but not sure it’s the next big thing that they’re touted as being.
This article appears in Jun 11-17, 2008.
