Rating: NNN
With song titles like The Narcissist, The Materialist, The Nihilist and The Optimist, Make Me Young's debut appears to be a heady concept album with an overarching philosophical theme. And is that really a smart move for your first release?
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But on closer inspection, the songs - primarily written by guitarist/vocalist Jay Merrow with keyboardist/singer Christine Stoesser - don't appear lyrically connected. The titles merely reflect the carefree playfulness found in the band's uptempo, high-energy dance rock. Stoesser's Blonde Redhead-like The Optimist is a highlight.
The exception is the grinding, melodramatic Baby Tuesday, which brings the Toronto band's record to a skidding, painful halt.
Top track: The Optimist
Make Me Young launch their CD at the El Mocambo tonight (Thursday, January 28).