A twisted eighties time warp (and that's a good thing).
Ichinchilla is not a band, but instead a London-based solo artist working in the electronic genre. 'The electronic genre' is too dull-sounding a term for this artist, but it is difficult to describe the music in any other way, since all four tracks on this release have quite a different sound. The provocatively titled 'Death Punk Electro' is Ichinchilla's second single release (although with four tracks it is more of an EP), following up March's 'Record Player' and intended to be a taster of a forthcoming album.
Opener and title track, 'Death Punk Electro' hits you right from the start with a strong beat and synthed guitar sounds. Vocals kick in sooner than one would expect for an electronic track, and are delivered in a style that is something between spoken word and rap. A frantic pace is maintained throughout the track and a variety of electronic effects are employed to give a sound that's definitely closer to pop than trance despite the choice of instruments. Here Ichinchilla sound like the Pet Shop Boys on speed, and unless you're a snob about your electronica, that can only be a good thing.
Credit must be given to Ichinchilla for including three B-sides here and not succumbing to the easy option of tacking a couple of sub-standard remixes onto the main track. Second song 'The Ball Of Confusion' calls to mind the Pet Shop Boys once again, as well as the Human League, and although isn't as instantly catchy and pleasing as 'Death Punk Electro' does have a certain kitsch appeal, especially for fans of eighties music. 'Red Ken' quickly follows, in which Ichinchilla's vocals remind one of Jarvis Cocker (especially when combined with the song's political yet humorous lyrics) or Neil Hannon of the Divine Comedy. The tracks musical elements also call to mind the Divine Comedy, employing samples/synths (it's not easy to discern which) of old-fashioned instruments and a jaunty, light-hearted beat.
The CD closes with a cover of 'All The Things She Said', which manages to be both funny and better than the original. It doesn't quite meet the standard set by the CD's previous tracks, but it serves its purpose (to amuse) well, and it isn't Ichinchilla's fault that it's a badly-written song. Overall, this is one of the most promising electronic releases of recent months. It's been made with thought and enthusiasm, it's fun to listen to - and even better to dance to. Roll on Ichinchilla's album release!