January 20 2007
Sandra Sperounes
Edmonton Journal
- Edmonton's Playboys don't need to rely on high-fashion duds to seduce new listeners. Low Noise is an ample aphrodisiac -- high-energy dance-rock bursting with jaunty guitars, infectious synth/piano melodies, echoes of the '80s and Jamie Star's sassy lyrics. "You're no novelty / No one-trick girl for me / We feel just the same / You'll never leave your man / There's no use pretending," he sings on Condescending, an anxious number with a chugging hip-hop/wrestling intro, thumping bass line and a sexy, squealing guitar riff. Sweet Talks segues into a Jam-like, jerky rhythm section while All We Need quivers with keyboards reminiscent of Bronski Beat's Small Town Boy. Comparisons to Montreal's Mobile are also inevitable, but the Playboys boast more skill, range, smarts and consistency. There's not a bad track on this album. Why aren't these guys huge stars yet?
Rating: 4 stars
