Noisettes – Wild Young Hearts
If you thought you knew the Noisettes and what they were all about, you’re going to doubt yourself after you listen to their new album Wild Young Hearts. Their first album What’s the Time Mr. Wolf? is about pure rock and roll, straight and to the point. The first word that pops into my head after listening to their new album is soul. Wild Young Hearts is a time warp back to 1960s Motown music. If you enjoy a little more pop with your rock, then keep reading because this is music for you. However, if you were expecting What’s the Time Mr. Wolf? part deux, you might be a tad despondent. The band said it was looking to shock its listeners with their new set of tunes and I say mission accomplished. The first track “Sometimes” creeps up on you slowly with almost ghost-like moaning followed by acoustic plucking. Shingai tells us “Sometimes we start over” and I believe that is what this album is trying to accomplish, a fresh start to approaching the band’s musical desires.
After such a quiet start, track two does a complete 180. This band must really love to ambush fans. If you haven’t already heard this catchy tune on a car commercial, “Don’t Upset the Rhythm” will be a real treat. This song is nothing but good, clean, upbeat, disco fun. Warning: you may catch yourself dancing to this song and enjoying it. Listening to the title track “Wild Young Hearts,” and several other songs, makes me pause for a moment and wonder if I’m listening to the soundtrack to Dreamgirls. As the song is coming to a close, all instruments stop except for a piano and Shingai belts out “Damn these wild young hearts!” to make for that spectacular Broadway musical ending.
This album is great at mixing heartfelt soul and blues with post-punk revival and dance. It’s a struggle between genres rather than a blending of influences with personal creativity. Wild Young Hearts will keep you guessing as to which style of music you may hear next. Oddly enough, it seems to work if you’re open-minded. I’m afraid that many fans of their first album might turn and run but the Noisettes will manage to snatch up a few new ones with their more approachable sound. Shingai’s beautiful and seductive voice will somehow manage to ensnare you regardless of your musical tastes. The Noisettes are a band to keep an eye on, especially since it will be nearly impossible to get “Don’t Upset the Rhythm” out of your head.
By Kristen Mollica
