Lacking The Sparkle Of The First Time
Back in 2004 The Go! Team had everyone in a frenzy. Love them or loathe them they were a band to get excited about, a band trying something completely wacky and out there that no one in their wildest dreams would have tackled let alone pull of with such spectacular results. Fast forward a few years and the Brighton band are following up 'Thunder, Lightning, Strike' with 'Proof Of Youth', an album that now showcases guest appearances from the likes of Public Enemy's Chuck D, the original Dutch Divas and Rapper's Delight Club, further proofing the acclaim this band has gained and suggesting that this follow up will be just as originally brilliant as its predecessor. That's the theory anyway.
Known for their wacky enthusiasm and originality The Go! Team instantly conjure images of fun, cheer enthused partying that is so far out there it leaves the rest of the pack behind. There's one slight problem though. It's been three years since they bounded onto the scene, hyperactive and determined to make us move to their fanfare beats and in that time the likes of CSS and The Klaxons have come under the radar, they introduced New Rave to the hoards that were drawn to The Go! Team's originality and as such Proof Of Youth just doesn't hold that ingenious allure having made little progression from where the band were three years ago. In short it seems that whilst the rest of the world have moved on, The Go! Team have been cocooned.
Whilst 'Proof Of Youth' may not sparkle with the same vibrancy as 'Thunder, Lightning Strike' there are still glimpses of adrenaline brimming tracks to ignite some enthusiasm. Sprinkled with their trademark lo fi production, 'Proof Of Youth' still captures the essence of a cheerleading squad mashed together with neon lights and rave infused beats as chants dominate almost every track making you wonder if there really is a cheerleading squad trying to tunnel their way out of your speakers. 'Titanic Vandalism' is bursting with energy as a horn flurry is unleashed amongst beats reminiscent of a 70s disco whilst 'The Wrath Of Marcie' is teeming with a soul vibe, bristling with funk and even parading a trumpet fanfare. It all sounds promising but there's just not the same originally and ecstasy captured in the tracks to make 'Proof Of Youth' as appealing as the sextet's debut.
For all its charm and energy 'Proof Of Youth' may come as somewhat of a disappointment to those who fell in love with the random originality of The Go! Team in the early days. Whilst some of the tracks still shine with enthusiasm and vigour there just isn't the same appeal as there was first time round, sadly making 'Proof Of Youth' seem a mere extension of 2004's electrifying hits.