I like Junior Boys, even though at times they do go a bit soppy on your ass.
Junior Boys – Begone Dull Care
http://www.dominorecordco.com/ http://www.munichrecords.com/
Oooh I don’t like the title. Begone Dull Care is the sort of thing Kenny Williams used to say for laughs when dressed up as a Roman Emperor… Still, don’t let that image put you off listening, that’s what I say, mother. Especially in this case, because once let loose on your stereo system, this LP shows itself to be a perfectly enjoyable, sophisticated slice of electro pop.
I like Junior Boys, even though at times they do go a bit soppy on your ass. I never get these New Order comparisons, though I’m sure if I could be bothered to check my previous JB reviews, I’ll have doubtless mentioned Albrecht & Co. However, they flirt much more with soul-boy stylings, and when presented with complex, soul bearing pop tunes like The Animator, I’d say they seem to be very interested in the ideas Green Gartside or Prefab Sprout were pursuing in the mid eighties.
Invariably their albums have a great opening track and the menacing Parallel Lines is a veritable classic; all understated beats and growly synths. Sadly, the single Hazel is that bit too soul-boy –ish for me; full of electronic empty electronic gestures and stylings and (worse) sometimes dipping into bland synth pop. Still, it’s one of the few jarring notes in this very smooth piece of work. At times, they look further back; the magnificent Sneak a Picture has the lush, melancholy feel of a Curtis Mayfield or Marvin Gaye record.
One for a lazy, sunny afternoon drinks.
Words: Richard Foster