Review of XX Teens's CD "Welcome to Goon Island"

XX Teens: Welcome to Goon Island

I remember first hearing about XX Teens early 2007 when they were still Xerox Teens. Since then I've heard a number of good reports so when I found out that fellow Sheffielder Ross Orton had produced their album "Goon Island" I jumped at the chance to have a listen and review.

Well first of I've got to applaud them for their originality (even down to the sleeve design which would give the Grimm Brothers nightmares); the last thing we need is another generic indie band, or someone copying the latest flavour of the moment! The first track "The Way We Were" opens with a harp and giving an enchanting kind of feel to it and my favourite track "Round" samples bird calls and sounds like the Twilight Zone in places, all very eclectic. Unfortunately though despite all its originality it doesn't really do much for me; the vocals are often spoken rather than sung and lyrically they're a little bizarre, all a little reminiscent of a modern day Jim Morrison/The Doors but nothing special and although the album is well produced it doesn't make up for what I consider mediocre songs. Musical Marmite I suspect.

• www.xxteens.co.uk

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