Republic of Loose
Bounce At The Devil

Mik Pyro returns with a slightly re-jigged Republic of Loose line up and an album that boasts increased dance sensibilities on top of their usual sordid funk. Interweaving large soul choruses with twitchy beats proves a winning tactic, creating restless, high-energy tracks that are definitely good craic but occasionally border on obnoxious.

As you would expect, 'Bounce At The Devil' is long, so it's unlikely to be an album often listened to in full - more a record from which to pick and choose highlights. 'Deludable' is one, with its echoing intro, faux-trumpets and outstanding harmonies, while 'The Man' teases with a mellow soul opening before breaking into its chaotic chorus. The strange juxtaposition of trad-style flute with rampant rhythms on 'She's So Evil' and again on 'What Kind of Man Would I Be?' is a novel tack and a nice reminder that this is a band from Dublin, rather than Detroit or New Orleans. And though he's hardly a congenial frontman, there's no doubting Mick Pyro's vocal capabilities, drenched in a vintage sleaze perfect for this sort of soul and funk.

In typical Loose fashion, everything here is rendered with tongue firmly in cheek and a sense of humour that thrives on the ridiculous. The entire sentiment of 'I Love The Police' is blatantly facetious, while 'Satan Bounce' sees Mik gripe "I'm tired of thinking 'bout the traffic in my jeans". Of course it's this absurdity that Loose fans love, but occasionally the boys step over the line. '', for example, with its circling repetition of "dead prostitutes and hookers" is as odious as it is irritating, a glorified intro to the equally irksome 'My Heroez'. This, as well as the practically ceaseless hyperactivity throughout 'Bounce At The Devil', make it an album that has many enjoyable moments but is difficult to listen to in one sitting.

Review by: Jenny Mulligan

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