5

Music of genre has seldom been more compelling.

It's an interesting factor that when groups complain of the music industry that contains them they look to the past and not to the future for a sound. The Pipettes, perhaps the best pop group around at the moment, claim that The Beatles mucked up pop music for everyone and use a sound straight from Phil Spector's production offcuts, while Editors, one of the more interesting indie bands of the past few years sound like Joy Division. Perhaps there is a feeling that one can better what has been done before, to really show contemporary bands what they should be doing. Or maybe its simply that people are lazy and think that if something doesn't sound like their favourite band then its not forward thinking.

Psychotic Reaction, whatever their motives, feel that the way that they are going to stand out in the ever competitive music world is by using the rhythms and stylistics of the early to late 70s punk and new wave scenes to mould their sound. From the band name and the title of their debut album, “Genre Music Is The Enemy” one gets the impression that they are dissatisfied with what they hear around them and strive for something different. And while they somewhat achieve this with a collection of quirky songs, they also leave the listener with the thought that genre music is actually there for a good reason.

From the lo-fi production, the “give a shit” singing and basic lyrics, its apparent that “Genre Music Is The Enemy” intends to hoodwink you by the casual nature of its execution. The band seem to not want to give the impression that they care about what you think, they simply make music the way that they want. And, some of the time, this works a treat. “Hand Me Downs (Made Me The Man I Am)” is a playful piece of nonsense that makes up for its lack of subject integrity by placing its tongue firmly into its cheek and being about something rather charming. Likewise, “Knickers In The Photocopier” is delightful in the sleazy bassline and juvenile backing singing that makes you feel blissfully dirty when hearing it. During these moments, you agree with the diktat laid out by the album's title.

However, this feeling is short lived because, simply, the rest of the album is a bland, torrid affair with very few moments of class or flare. “Is It E.S.P?” pairs decent enough music with an uncomfortable vocal performance, “Something's Gotta Give” sounds like the weaker end of Britpop without the confidence and “Touretti Spaghetti” sinks the depths to a pub based Doors covers band with its weedy guitar effects and lump production. And sadly for “Genre Music Is The Enemy”, this is what you remember. They came to us with an answer to break free of the drudgery of the commercial radio playlist, but they've actually served us a cross between The Velvet Underground minus the cool and Johnathan Richman without the style. And, after a good listen, you end up craving the latest Kaiser Chiefs record like you've never done before.