Harlem Shakes
Technicolor Health
Gigantic Music
8/10
Positive and peppy- two words that describe Harlem Shakes in a nutshell. Despite coming from a crowded field of groups in the hipster Mecca of Brooklyn, N.Y., the five member ensemble of Brent, Kendrick, Lexy, Todd and Jose have managed to set themselves apart with their distinguished blend of energetic guitar chords, spacey synths, and bittersweet yet hopeful lyrics. The result, Technicolor Health, is an album that is original, captivating, and hypnotic. It is also one of the most addictive records ever made.
At the outset, the record manages to defy expectations. From the intense “Nothing But Change II” to the blend of African-inspired beats, ska, and electronica that is “Strictly Game,” the album is a unexpected mix of genres that seem to have little to do with each other, yet feel in sync. Whether they are kicking out their jams or channeling their inner hipster Paul Simon, it is hard to not to tap along to their up-tempo beats and beatific harmonies. This is as gloom and gimmick free as any record is able to get.
Chalk it down to Kendrick’s melodic singing (or is it Lexy?), or the tightly arranged chords that are reminiscent of early Killers, either way there is chemistry on this record that is just…infective. With such lyrics like “The Sun won’t rest/until we all face West/and sirens turn into flutes” who wouldn’t contract a case of the smiles? The same can’t be said of other albums in the same genre.
That isn’t to say that there aren’t any disappointments. “Natural Man” sounds sleepy and little discordant for such an upbeat album. On the whole though, it is an impressive effort for an insurgent band. Judging by the sound of it, this is a band with limitless potential- if they stick around long enough to make good on it.
At $10.98, it’s worth the trouble of visiting the local record, or Itunes.
–John Winn