TEENAGE BLACKOUT "Theories Of Jet Propulsion" CD ~reviewed

First, Teenage Blackout won about 2,000 free bonus points in my book, because when you open the CD case, the first thing you see is a picture of a hollow needle. When you lift the CD out of the case, you see a picture of a black widow. This makes so much sense to me it's not funny, but I'm supposed to be reviewing the music, not the jewel case, so I'll quit while I'm ahead on the wonderful juxtaposition of these two photos, and how and why they perversely please me.

The first two songs reminded me almost of early Cocteau Twins or even <gasp> that old 80s band "Double" that did "The Captain Of Her Heart." I must admit, I like the tracks on the album best, that contain no singing, and only sampled voices. The tracks without vocals, move me in the same way that electronica always moves me; I love the crisp sounds and the wet beats. The samples keep things interesting and disturbing. To add near-ethereal female vocals to this mix, in my opinion, is to put oneself in peril. Don't mess with what's broken, as they say. The only band that's ever pulled off the feat of industrio-electronica+female vocals, that has stayed in my collection, is Single Gun Theory. With all due respect, I think Teenage Blackout should nix the vocals and flourish with what they do well, which is a graceful blend of harmony, rhythm, sampling, organic sound, and inspiring beats. Songs like "The Morning Of Our Departure" "Gaslighter" and "All Her Favorite Models" are perfect examples of Teenage Blackout at their best.

- Kirin Anderson