Thank goodness for sheer bloody-minded independence.
Take ‘Do As I Please’. The opening bars of the Leeds six-piece self-titled debut album suggest a widening of their sonic landscape. A surprising start perhaps, but it quickly kicks in with a stomping electronic vibe. Lyrically this opener pointedly calls out a self-serving society, the scuzzy vocal repeating “I’ll get where I wanna go”. It’s a reference perhaps to those at the very top of the economic food-chain, and those of a certain vintage will recognise the “just say no” statement. Adult DVD’s slightly warped but comical view of the world is evident early on. ‘Coffin Dodger’ is laugh out loud funny as it bounces along. “Call me egotistical, I wanna see my funeral”. The crisp beats and bleeps are infectious and there’s not one hint of morbidity: “I don’t want to miss the party of my life”
‘Cold Caller’ follows in a less electronic, more glam rock vein with that glorious sliding vocal of “la la la”’s. The theme of observing modern society and pointing out its more ridiculous aspects continues with ‘Jesus Christ Supercar’ a gloriously twitchy electronica pop at life’s bullshitters who end up doing nothing, rather than something. If you know, . A question though. Who comes up with the idea of a ‘Cowboy On Aisle Three’? The image of a cowboy wandering through Asda (other supermarkets are available) is gloriously bizarre.
It’s clear that Adult DVD had a blast producing this album. The mid-album prompt to flip the vinyl on ‘The Steaks Are High’ has the classic line: “I knew the steaks were high when the cows got stoned”.
‘World’s Best Boss’ is quite possibly the most relatable track on the album. The high energy dig at the mundanity of the office environment and its goes on to list office equipment which grows increasingly surreal as it progresses! “I can’t be fired, I’ve already escaped” says everything. The pulsating party vibes continue on the bombastic ‘All I Need’, paying homage to ‘Doomsday Prepper’ and its “party in my bunker while you’re all stuck outside”. The rave then hits at full speed with ‘Ghillie Suit’, a chaotic euphoric track unashamedly Underworld inspired. There’s no let up on Side B with the electronic stomper ‘Real Tree Lee’ depicting those on the fringes who question the truth but end up falling down the hole of conspiracy theories.
There was no way Adult DVD were going to close out their debut quietly. ‘Rolling Face’ is an acid house banger. Forget simply bouncing along this is full on moshpit material. Thrillingly pulsating, it’s a highlight, no question.
Adult DVD have given us an album which pokes fun at the modern world and all its idiosyncrasies. It’s exactly what we need right now, overflowing with characters and situations and all presented through the prism of humour. Not only that it contains multiple soundscapes, an expansion of their sonic world, and yet still absolutely Adult DVD. I’ll see you on the dancefloor.
8/10