Indoor Voices Please

With steady beats, simple harmonic structure, sincere lyrics, and a desperate, whiney voice, the Shout Out Louds have a sound all their own that does not change. About a year ago we became witness to several bands making their way over from Western Europe to a frenzy of popularity and craze (ie Keane, The Killers, Franz Ferdinand). One hit from one band paved the way to fame for all. The radio was flooded with original music that entertained us for months. However, while the anticipation for the Swedish Shout Out Louds hit album, Howl Howl Gaff Gaff was immense, the delivery is minimal.The Shout Out Louds have one worthy song on their album, and it’s probably the one you’ve heard – “Out Loud.” Taken out of context from the album, the song is great. Simple marching band beats accompanied by repetitive guitar riffs provide the undertone to lyrics that are surprisingly touching. While Adam Olenius’s voice is scratchy, it coincides with the lyrics of desire. And, ironically, there’s even some shouting! It’s upbeat, concentric, and insightful; everything that British pop should be.

The remainder of the album is a downward spiral towards doom. If you’re smart and listen to the album on shuffle, you may last longer than a couple songs. Howl Howl Gaff Gaff lacks variety and supercedes in simple beats and wailing vocals that is likely to turn your headache into a migraine (we’re talking nausea and vomiting!) While some may anxiously await sophomore albums from the aforementioned bands, the Shout Out Louds sadly deserve an F and a fresh start.