ÔÇÿManhattanÔÇÖ by New York City rock band Skaters lands into early 2014, exposing more than a sly glance to similarly Big Apple obsessed bands of recent years. ÔÇÿTo Be Young In NYCÔÇÖ is a song right on this line of thought, coming across as somewhat arrogant and indulgent, perhaps a feeling exclusive to listeners who have never had the privilege of visiting the city. In reality, much of the band are from Los Angeles- and guitarist Joshua Hubbard is English.
The album really struggles to get going, the opening tracks all covering well-treaded ground as ÔÇÿDeadboltÔÇÖ sends out a warbling chorus with background riffs that fail to excite. This is followed by the weak ÔÇÿBand BreakerÔÇÖ that harks on a reggae beat which leads to one being unable to take the song seriously.
However the latter half of the album picks up with knowing hints of The Strokes and Pulp in the single ÔÇÿSchemersÔÇÖ. A chorus that deserves to be sung along to in late night indie discos along with ironically-self-aware ÔÇÿI Wanna Dance (But I DonÔÇÖt Know How)’. Add on the lovingly floating beat of ÔÇÿSymptomaticÔÇÖ and fast-paced closer ÔÇÿThis Much I CareÔÇÖ and the album genuinely contributes something to the genre, with a really strong sound.
And yet, these moments are tagged back by the too close for comfort Vampire Weekend-esque rhythm of ÔÇÿFear Of The KnifeÔÇÖ that delivers echoed vocals and a very familiar structure that would indeed be inventive – had it not been done. That is the overall sense of this album – perfectly enjoyable at points and fairly decent if you donÔÇÖt overthink it. But while a possibly good stepping stone, it is hardly a revolution.
Perhaps most disappointing of all is the distorted grind of ÔÇÿNice HatÔÇÖ that ends by featuring an off-beat Taxi Driver conversation skitÔǪ (Only in NYC, see, itÔÇÖs totally whacky and hilarious!). IÔÇÖm unconvinced.