Review: The Raveonettes – In And Out Of Control
When punk, indie, garage rock, and electric pop meet, they form the uniquely talented duo The Raveonettes. In and Out of Control marks the Danish group’s fourth album. The amazing aspect of this band is their ability to be so diversified and so oddly unparalleled. Their vocals harmonize over electric riffs mixed with dark lyrics. “Bang!” starts off this record with a pop-happy uptempo beat with lyrics that hardly match the musical feel. Verses about hitting and violence are juxtaposed with a chorus of kids bopping out in the street all summer long. The lyrics may bewilder me but I sing along anyway and bob my head and tap my feet.
The Raveonettes are good at making strange and depressing lyrics sound happy with their pop rock electronic beats. “Boys Who Rape (Should Be Destroyed)” offers intense and pulsating electronics. The song is exactly what the title says. While I agree that boys who rape should be obliterated, the song is difficult to fully enjoy. It should probably be a sin that such a catchy tune have such violent and taboo lyrics. One would expect a more serious song considering the topic but that isn’t The Raveonettes’ style. Songs like this are what make them stand out from the rest.
“Suicide” is another example of taking such an unmentionable topic and turning it into something more fun and enjoyable. The Raveonettes share encouraging words, “Run, run, run away little girl / Get your fun in this trashy world / Empty-hearted boys by your side / Lick your lips and f*ck suicide.” It’s hard not to crack a smile with such an insatiable dance rhythm. This is the type of music that defines this band. Their lyrics are not transparent. They are enriching and stained with emotion; yet The Raveonettes manage to interlace them with buoyant and uplifting music. In and Out of Control is able to form a balance between the negative and the positive, to find consonance within the dissonance.
Must listen to tracks: “Bang!” “Boys Who Rape (Should Be Destroyed),” “Suicide,” and “D.R.U.G.S”
News: The Raveonettes Announce New album
The Raveonettes have today announced a one off show to preview new material from their forthcoming album ‘In And Out Of Control’, which is released on October 5th through Fierce Panda.
Live @: Hoxton Bar and Kitchen – September 7th
The Tracklisting:
1 ‘Bang!’
2 ‘Gone Forever’
3 ‘Last Dance’
4 ‘Boys Who Rape (Should Be Destroyed)’
5 ‘Heart Of Stone’
6 ‘Oh, I Buried You Today’
7 ‘Suicide’
8 ‘D.R.U.G.S.’
9 ‘Breaking Into Cars’
10 ‘Break Up Girls!’
11 ‘Wine’
SIREN FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES INITIAL LINEUP!
9th Annual Village Voice SIREN MUSIC FESTIVAL™ at Coney Island on Saturday, July 18, 2009 from 12:00 noon – 9:00 p.m. Scheduled performers include BUILT TO SPILL, THE RAVEONETTES, FRIGHTENED RABBIT, GRAND DUCHY, MONOTONIX, MICACHU & THE SHAPES, DJs and more to be announced.