Sure, you’re reading work from an amazing socialite from Los Angeles. We’re of the best in the world. We have an actor for a Governor. We have palm trees, expensive houses and one of the best coasts in the world. (Eat it, Dubai.) As far as the music scene, we know more than say, Suzie from Alabama. All she knows is how to make a great kicker-can-fried-chicken dish. How low-class. I’m taking this time away from talking to gorgeous women and drinking martinis to teach you some culture. I’m aiming this write-up to our dear friend Suzie. She needs help and I’ll be damned if this breakdown of the band, WhoMadeWho, won’t change her from that god awful chicken dish to a fantastic egg white frittata. On to WhoMadeWho.
Dear S, Can I call you that? Great, thanks. WhoMadeWho is a Danish band from, you guessed it, Denmark. They are composed of three people: Tomas Hoefding (Bass/Vocal), Jeppe Kjellberg (Guitar/Vocal) and Tomas Barfod (Drums). I’ll explain instruments to you another time Suzie, it’s too much for you right now. Yes a Guitar is like a Banjo. Hush, I’m trying to teach you culture.
WhoMadeWho has produced three albums to date. The first being a self-titled album, WhoMadeWho. This happens quite often for up-and-coming bands. The album came out in 2005, but the chances of you hearing it within that year is quite slim. I mean, Denmark is quite far from your town, S, and we both know that you are on 56k Internet and get a ride to school on a tractor. This first album was later built into an acoustic version for their second album, “Green Version.” I find this quite catchy from the perspective that it’s a rework, they didn’t use electric equipment, making it “green.” They were definitely one step ahead on that one. Oh, sorry S, I didn’t mean to inundate you with information far beyond your capabilities. Let’s move on to their new album, The Plot.
The Plot was released on March 23, 2009, to help increase the happiness of the world. The work that WhoMadeWho produces is nothing short of entertaining and boisterous. Yes, Suzie, your boyfriend/brother will love this music as much as you have. Yes, the first track, “TV Friend,” was very well placed as a nice slow intro to bring you into the album without freaking out. The lyrics are also quite easy to follow and are set at the perfect tone to help sooth any mental stress you may be having. Not only that, the pace of the track is so easy to grab on to that those who are unable to understand how music is produced—yes, Suzie, that’s you—will be able to bounce their feet or shake their aft side. This song is quite the catchy tune.
The second track, upon which the album is also labeled, “The Plot,” is the track of tracks for this album. The English for this Danish group is amazingly easy to follow. Their musical abilities on this track places the group on the same level as The White Stripes with a step down from their heaviness. I would say that the band could be described as The White Stripes and Modest Mouse’s love child. Yes, Suzie, we know about your love child. Twins you say? Congratulations. No, I don’t think it would be a good idea if they married each other. Concentrate Suzie, it’s culture lesson time.
Track three, “Small Town,” is another slower-paced track that really sets the group apart musically. These slower tracks are the ones that will remain solely on the album and usually not played live. Sure, we’ve never seen them in the USA, but in an interview with them, they spoke of keeping the vibe upbeat and keeping the slow tracks on the album. I believe this methodology of decision-making for the group is a must. We will see if they ever make it here and do, in fact, follow through with this thought process.
If we fast-forward one track to “Keep Me in My Plane,” we experience the feeling of someone who is completely comfortable sitting in a chair high above the earth. No, Suzie, it’s only scary if you want it to be. Yes, we’ll fly somewhere after your lessons. How about Thailand? No, not the smelly restaurant down the street. Yes, you can drink red wine and cognac on the airplane. They sing about all the things we can do on an airplane. For most of us who find flying comforting, the band captures the feeling perfectly.
“Cyborg” is one of the faster tracks of the album, and it is completely concert worthy. You might not feel it immediately upon hearing the beginning of the track, but once the chorus hits, you’ll know that the crowd will move and sing along with the group. Countries and language barriers can’t hold the world back as the lyrics are so catchy that it’s easy to sing along to the whole album. Yes, S, we’ll make sure you can learn the lyrics so you can karaoke at your girlfriend’s birthday party. No, they probably won’t have the tracks on the karaoke systems in town for you. Someday maybe they will. One can only hope.
The one track that stands out the most for me is “Raveo.” A lyric-less, completely danceable, upbeat track that is asking for remixes from some of the great electronic DJs and producers. Not that the original cannot hold up on its own, we all know that nothing defines the USA more than remixing what has already been done. The constant change in mid-tones and guitar ensembles keeps me listening from beginning to end. After playing the track and walking away, it’s the one that keeps playing in my head like a personal soundtrack. You’re right, Suzie, I did get off track there. How about we take a break. What’s that? You want to eat some chicken. Sounds great.
Artist:
whomadewhomusic.wordpress.com
Download:
"The Plot (Muzzle Flash Remix)" – [mp3]
