Indie-Rock
With the recession biting everywhere, it seems that even critically acclaimed indie-rockers are getting the blues. 'Shock Horror', The View's second single from their upcoming album 'Which Bitch' finds frontman Kyle Falconer in a sombre mood, mumbling a piano-led soliloquy concerning universal worries amongst young men around the world, "The clock keeps ticking/Let's hope we don't grow old". This maudlin introspection doesn't last long before the rest of the band chime in with an upbeat 2-2 rhythm, complete with a few anthemic "oh oh ohs" to boot, building on the winning formula that made their debut, 'Hats off to the Buskers' such a success amongst inebriated students and music industry bigwigs alike. No concessions are made to mask or even tone down Falconer's thick Dundee accent, a tack that has the Marmite-esque effect of being either recklessly endearing or annoyingly affected, depending on your personal taste.
The chorus is pure pop in rock's clothing; the hook, "a little bit of shock shock horror" is as catchy as anything Pete Doherty, (the band's alleged idol) ever slurred out with either of his infamous outfits. However, while the single is great for sing-along joviality, it possesses none of the sleazy yet enigmatically attractive allure of Doherty's underworld chic, the peek through the door of the wild and arcadian houses of The Libertines and Babyshambles. Perhaps this is the prudent choice for The View's career longevity, not to mention health and legal repercussions, yet it could prevent them from being ranked amongst rock's true wild ones. Still, good album sales will help stave off those recession blues...