Cassette Kids – Nothingon TV

Mon 17th May, 2010 in Music Reviews

Sydney foursome Cassette Kids is one of those infectious bands that get into your head from the moment you start listening. Having won all sorts of triple j competitions and landing support slots for The Presets, Lily Allen and New Young Pony Club among others, their debut album Nothing On TV has been one of the most anticipated Australian releases of 2010.

The electro-pop fused with indie really works with these kids and as a debut album goes they have really nailed it. Catchy and bright, easy to dance too and sing along with, and nothing too technical to confuse the listener.

From the outset the singing of Katrina Noorbergen is contagious. Her voice is gorgeous, pop infused with an indie edge, and the lyrics are extremely easy to pick up and sing along too.

First single off the album is Lying Around, a track that leans more towards the indie vibe on the album and has a darker sound beneath it with Noorbergen’s voice not quite as squeaky pop as showcased on other songs throughout the record. Keyboards are brought in to give the song a fuller sound and it is one of the standout songs on the album.

Spin is the second single off the album and is lighter than its predecessor with a much more dance-pop beat to it. Altogether the track is easy to listen to and if picked up by the clubs it could quite well become one of the year’s biggest electro-dance hits.

The band seem to get rather creative with their sound towards the middle of the album, especially with Freaky Sweetie, a solid indie track but sounds a bit out of place amongst the other more commercial sounding pop tunes.

Other standout tracks on the album include the upbeat You Shot Me which features simple chords and beats and is reminiscent of The Ting-Tings. Insomnia, the first track off the album is also a great listen, featuring an introduction of synth chords and guitar work before launching straight into an edgy pop tune.

The album is 80s pop with synth-infused elctro indie tracks and it shows maturity beyond the bands three years of being together.