The world is filled with post-punk, '80s new-wave-revival indie pop/rock bands. Yet it seems there is still room for more, especially when they produce albums as enjoyable as Tourist History, the delightful debut from Two Door Cinema Club.
The first two tracks get the album off to a good start. "Cigarettes in the Theatre" delivers energetic guitars, while "Come Back Home" goes for stronger, strumming guitar chords. The Killers and Interpol are obvious influences on these, short propulsive songs.
The album really starts to take off with "Do You Want It All," which starts the strong six-song stretch that forms the core of the album. It's a bit repetitive, but that only helps it get under your skin. It builds to a hefty electric guitar middle. "This Is the Life" is a bit mellower, but no less immediate, with a striking guitar melody that alternates electric and acoustic riffs. Lead singer Alex Trimble also plays guitar, along with Sam Halliday, so I presume this is a joint effort. It's not unlike the kind of appealingly melodic rock that fellow Northern Irish band Snow Patrol can deliver on its most uptempo days.
The albums three most radio friendly tracks follow. "Something Good Can Work" is the kind of song that would love to front an iTunes ad. It's lively, warm, upbeat and fun. It's followed by "I Can Talk," an even more irresistible track. Trimble's vocals get a bit of process on these verses here, adding a touch of whimsy to propulsive song's rapid-fire bass rhythm (courtesy of of bassist Kevin Baird) and drum beats (courtesy of a drum program presumably, as the band has do drummer). "Undercover Martyn," the group's most recent single, is another punchy winner. As is, "What You Want," whose slow vocal and fast tempo create a great sing-along hook.
"Eat that Up, It's Good for You" has the most '80s-sounding synths here. After the long stretch of great songs, this quieter (relatively) song is merely fine. "You Are Not Stubborn" closes the set on a typically upbeat note, mixing up the layered rhythm at the end for a good finish.
At barely over 30 minutes and 10 tracks, Tourist History is over fast. They pack a lot into these little songs though, which, even though all are under 4 minutes (some under 3), feel quite complete, never lacking in melody or pay off.
Best: I Can Talk, This Is the Life, Something Good Can Work, Undercover Martyn, What You Want
