Youth can truthfully be portrayed through chosen words. Especially when they're being shouted at you in a repetitive and demanding manner. My first introduction to this Welsh teenage four piece came through their singles 'Raoul' and 'Recover', whereupon I was promptly lured by their deft harmonies, emo tainted lyrics, pure disco punk, and the one thing that set them apart from everyone else - their impish synthist. It's just unfortunate that what is undeniably their defining sound also works to their detriment. Alex Pennie engaging in onstage acrobatics, inexorable vocals and keyboard abuse is central to their electric live performance. Alex Pennie engaging in what aurally becomes akin to Scrappy Doo, for approximately 80% of the album, can become irksome. Their current release 'Monster' sums up Not Accepted Anywhere; catchy opening strains, punchy pop melodies, and impressively relentless musicianship - all of which is obliterated by a brash chorus that sinks into the psyche. It's the bits betwixt the shouting however that are truly special. If they can bring the same quality of euphony to their next album, while diversifying the vocals (perhaps going the route of 'Lost at Home' on more than one occasion), who knows what heady heights they could climb to. But, for now, they'll have to be content with being the best live band of the moment.
