Towers Of London - Fizzy Pop :: Wessex Scene Online

Towers Of London - Fizzy Pop

12th November 2008
Kate Fletcher

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The wannabe punk-rockers are back and their new album, ‘Fizzy Pop’, does exactly what it says on the tin.

The band has moved away from their previous superficial punk sound of ‘Blood Sweat And Towers’ and, rather cringingly, shimmied towards a hint of the 80s. The twelve track album also appears to mimic every legendary rock band from the last three decades, such as Guns n Roses and Motley Crue, which I hasten to add, is not a compliment.

The first track, ‘Naked on the dance floor’ is a frightening insight into what the rest of the album has in store for any daring listener. ‘Time is Running Out’ has an irritatingly catchy “na-na-na-na” sing-a-long chorus that will instantly have your feet tapping.

The song ‘Beach Bar’ sounds like a very outdated version of some 1960s surf band with cheering crowds and lapping waves, just not as good. ‘New Skin’, the final track on the album is a definite no-no for the band - a teeth grinding ballad with a poor attempt at melodious singing. Let’s stick to the fake cockney accents and set the volume back to full, yeah lads? Nevertheless, it is essentially a party album with lots of upbeat, chart friendly songs - lets face it, you don’t need any talent to get in the chart these days. But if you want a mediocre album to listen to whilst getting ready for a night out, then this is the one for you.

So, is there anything good about this album? Well, despite the band being up their own arses, they seem to have returned with a lot of determination for what their music could potentially become, even if they have got a bit lost on the way. No, they are not truly original, no one is really, but you can definitely see what they are trying to achieve - an alternative punk edge with poppy influences from different decades and genres (not forgetting the occasional cheesy ballad). The fact is, whether you choose to admit it or not, Towers Of London do know the basic formula for producing a good old fashioned Rock n Roll record. The only problem being that because of their experimentation and slipping between genre boundaries, what they have actually produced is a confusing jumble of chaos.

All I am left to wonder now is whether Towers of London’s ideas will keep fizzing, or have they already gone flat?

Score: 40%