[dweeb] - It Came From Outer Space

Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

The buzz surround [dweeb] has been building since the release of their two EPs and finally they have delivered a debut album and it is one of the most anticipated releases of the year. So have they delivered? You bet! Everything about this album captures the imagination. There is no doubt that [dweeb] are one of the most inventive and creative bands on the scene and easily hold their own against the new crop of mainstream bands. Musically tight, they have produced a debut that matches quirky songs with thoughtful, clever lyrics that reveal their depth the more you listen to the songs. There's plenty here to surprise the listener and while the band flex their powerful musical muscles, they manage to create enough hooks to snatch the attention of the fresh listener whilst there's enough depth to keep everybody interested. That's no mean feat for a debut album. I've been listening to the album for a couple of weeks now and I can tell you that as I write, the songs that are captivating me completely are the hooky debut single "Beginning Is Only The Beginning" with its "woah oh woah oh" chant! Totally infectious! "Mediocrity Schmediocrity" is a killer opener with its heartcry to live a life that makes a difference. "Identity Is Not A State Of Mind" captures the band's trick of taking unusual musical directions mid-song when they break down and then pumping everything up with an impressive intensity. "51" takes as its inspiration Psalm 51 but don't anticipate that this will be a nice worshipful ballad, instead you get a groove-driven cry from the heart. It reminds me that [dweeb] do intensity very well! Listening to the band's pumping heart of Matt Donald's funky bass and Dave Ashworth's solid drumming, so much of the album is driven by their stalwart work. This is rock but with a funky heart and a touch of jazz from Badgerman's guitar to keep things interesting and give a different twist to the edgy powerful rock sounds that he's producing. This is not rock music that bludgeons you into surrender, instead amidst the huge noise they create, there is plenty of subtle nuances that make things more than interesting. This is highlighted by the brilliant "Donald To The Funk". Rather aptly, the band's underlying funkiness is pushed to the fore. Tim Alford's lyrics and singing have both taken a huge leap with this new set of songs and it seems that Badgerman's guitar work has made similar leaps too. The combination has never sounded better than on the excellent ferocious "What It Is To Breathe" which is the perfect summary of what [dweeb] stands for spiritually and musically. Ultimately 'It Came From Outer Space' stands as one of the year's best releases and with sci fi B movie artwork and the band's unique sense of humour, everything about this will catch attention. There will be some who will disagree with me because they don't like the quirkiness of some of this. But this is brill and guys, we're taking you seriously now!