ALBUM REVIEW: Imbecilica – The Imbeciles
THE IMBECILES are back once again and this time with legendary producer Youth with their brand-new album Imbecilica. With members of the band known for reinventing themselves across their career, it seems they’ve done it again this time with something of an R.E.M inspired sound. It’s a little electro with a bit of pop and post-punk thrown in just for fun.
The album kicks of with Tiny Blue People and the punchy guitar lines and catchy lyrics draw you in right from the get go. It’s punchy and gets under the skin but in the best way possible. It’s Not About You however feels a little more heartfelt yet the chorus is euphoric. It has a very Electric Century feel to it, which whether deliberate or not is welcome. The solo is split into two parts which is good because it can showcase different styles of playing.
I’m Not The One follows with deeper vocals which sets this track up to be a bit heavier – which it is. The chorus really creates a thick texture with the overlapping vocals. This track has the more electro feel that they were going for with this album. Then things really slow done with London Rain. This one is far slower than what we’ve had so far but it’s a welcome change. It’s a bit more anthemic and just a lot more chilled out as a whole. The solo introduces the distorted guitars and it feels like the song is going to come crashing down but they keep the calmer feeling which makes for a good call on their part.
Van Man has a cool, punchy feel to it with a more psychedelic verse. This is done with the guitar effects which they really make the most of with this track. This is perhaps the most head-banging track on the album and it is great. I Won’t Let You Down is another calmer track and starts with minimal instruments, bringing them in gradually and building it up. The vocals come through and soar into the chorus. The lyrics make it seem like a pretty typical love song but it has more value to it than that. It feels more personal and not as generic as a lot of British pop songs.
New single You’re Gonna Wanna is a fun track with distorted guitars driving the song. It feels like a rock song with simplistic playing which makes this track all the more effective. It feels like the kind of song to just let go with and have some fun. The verses do break it up though so it’s not stifling but the outro is heavy and perfect for this song.
The album ends on Superstar! And it’s a good one to end on. It’s not super heavy nor are the lyrics morbid or complex. It’s simple and to the point and pretty much sums up the album. Imbecilica a good rock album and it’s easy to hear Youth’s influence on not just the bass but the album as a whole.
Rating: 7/10
Imbecilica is set for release on May 20th via Cadiz Music.
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