Futureheads [Bonus DVD]

Audio Mixers: Clive Goddard; Gareth Hughes Jones; Andrew Gill.
Photographers: Tony Gibson; Clare Shilland.
From "Le Garage," the opening salvo on this Sunderland, England rock outfit's eponymous debut, to the album's jittery closer, "Man Ray," THE FUTUREHEADS blasts your stereo speakers right off the wall. Brandishing propulsive rhythms, nervous guitar lines, and zingy, hook-filled songs, the Futureheads blend punk, power-pop, and a quirky, sometimes zany, sensibility into an immediately appealing package. Their exuberance is evident everywhere, from the energetic melodies of "A to B" to the push-and-pull of "The City Is Here for You to Use" to their superb cover of Kate Bush's "Hounds of Love."
At first listen, the Futureheads recall other early-2000s post-punk revivalists. But while the band take notable cues from icons like XTC (particularly in their heavy, biting British accents) and Gang of Four (the revered group's Andy Gill produces numerous tracks here), they also display a penchant for unique, memorable songcraft that sets them apart from their peers. Particularly notable is the ensemble's use of complex, layered vocals (note the a cappella tune "Danger of the Water"), with harmonies and choral parts ringing out among the thunderous assault of guitars, bass, and drums. Pound for pound, THE FUTUREHEADS is tremendous fun, and marks the arrival of a band to watch.