Baddies - Build

Baddies - Build
Genre: Indie Rock/Punk
Rating: 8/10

Another band to capitalise on the ever growing success of the new pledge music platform are Southend's own Baddies. The band have achieved moderate cult success in the UK being championed by the BBC and the Guardian as well as other national press who all praised the bands undeniable energy. The bands debut, 2009's Do The Job, was a riotous album filled with punchy guitars lightning fast vocals and fist pumping rythms making it a brilliant party record. The real beauty of this beast was in the tongue in cheek lyrics and the unmistakable air of fun suggested by the otherwise frantic music. Two years on from that comes the Baddies tricky sophomore album Build an album that won't see commercial release until early 2012. Those who pledged however will have the privelege to advanced copies of the album.

Second albums are notoriously difficult to make especially if a bands debut was deemed a success. Many artists play it safe and faithfully recreate their debut which often leads to criticism alternatively other bands boldly reinvent the wheel. From the opening track of Baddies new album Build it is rather obvious they fall into the latter category. Whilst Do The Job was a chaotic mix of punk attitude and party vibes Build incorporates a more complex keyboard and synthesizer driven sound. Whilst the upbeat fury continues on Build each track feels a lot more layered and spacey sound effects wash over the low down dirty bass and thumping riffs giving a greater perception of depth. Whilst the idea of such a guitar driven band trading in axes for keyboards is unsettling at first glance the Baddies seem to pull it off with flair and vigour. The albums reverby futuristic twist is enough of a change to ensure that Baddies avoid falling into replicating their first album without completely ditching their trademark sound. Opener "Rewire" sets the tone perfectly for the album and sees sci-fi sound effects work with the simplistic driving guitars towards a catchy chorus. Another highlight is the more sombre "Centurion" which see's the band move towards a reverby sound more akin to likes of Foals. Other great moments come through thick and fast with very little to complain about from start to finish. Other highlights like "Talk To Me Germany" and "Bronto" show the band haven't completely dropped their original sound, the emphasis on both of these tracks being in chaotic angular guitars, the only difference from previous works are the subtle synths and sound effects that work to add a little flair to the whole affair.

Overall the Baddies have come up trumps and nailed that tricky second album with style. With next to no duff tracks or filler Build makes for a refreshing listen filled to the brim with the punchy enthusiasm of the bands debut with a brilliant subtle twist. Definitely an album to look out for when it hits the shelves next year. Highly recommended.

Download: "Rewire" "Bronto"