Nashville – Delightful, danceable, and uniquely rhythmic, O Shudder (via Memphis Industries), the newest LP just out from UK-based band Dutch Uncles, is an energetic collection of songs that ends all too soon. Fast-paced but thoroughly enjoyable, this release demonstrates just how skilled the band is at balancing familiar 80s-throwback sounds with an entirely different take on new wave. This latest release is the fourth studio album for the band, and O Shudder stands out as sharp and beautifully calculated. While Dutch Uncles have maintained continuity in the vocals and punchy guitar riffs, there are enough surprises placed within the album’s 11 songs that keep everything fresh and satisfyingly variable.
Beginning softly with “Babymaking” only to end on a cliffhanger with the cheeky “Be Right Back,” this album takes many twists and turns throughout its set, but there’s nothing random about the way it’s arranged. There’s a precision that’s juxtaposed against the obvious spontaneity in the sound, and the distinctly intelligent quality of O Shudder can’t be overshadowed. Perhaps it’s the tension between the organized and disorganized that makes these songs so exciting to listen to, or maybe it’s just that this album is the result of an expert, inherent skill. In any case, Dutch Uncles know how to drop a beat and keep the party going without losing focus.
And while we’re on the subject of party, nothing captures that funky, groovy spirit better than “Decided Knowledge.” Out of all the album’s songs, this one seems to be the most obvious throwback, and there’s a definite 80s sound going on here. Between the guitar, the keyboard, and the perfectly punctuated and perfectly pitched vocals, it’s not hard to compare this song to some of its predecessors from 30 years ago. What’s most notable about this song, however, is not how much it pays homage to decades past—instead, the triumph here is the pure smoothness. Shiny and fluid, the vocals and guitar work in tandem to create this cool, glossy effect.
While Dutch Uncles certainly tailor their sound to resemble new wave arrangements from the 80s, they still manage to integrate a new element into something that’s otherwise familiar. Circling back to the album’s finisher, “Be Right Back,” the keyboard here is more ethereal and the direction of the song is more unpredictable. Still funky and still just as lustrous as the album’s other tracks, this particular cut is nevertheless a more daring way to tie up everything in the album. In a move that appears to be deliberately open-ended, Dutch Uncles set the stage for more surprises to come in the future.
Impulsive but also expertly reasoned, O Shudder stands out among the band’s other three albums. It’s an impressive catalog without an identity crisis, and it demonstrates how Dutch Uncles operate with a crystal-clear vision. Though this vision is frequently translated into a revival, it also manifests itself into something utterly original, and wholly brilliant. It’s an all-around clever album that will, undoubtedly, take the band to new heights.
Following the release of O Shudder, Dutch Uncles will be touring all around the U.K. Keep up with the band via Facebook.
Amaryllis Lyle
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