Electric Callboy - Tekkno

 "Tekkno" is the 6th album by German metalcore/electronic band Electric Callboy.  Much like most people in UK and America, I only heard Electric Callboy for the first time a few years ago with the release of "Hypa Hypa" in 2020.  One of the reasons for this is because the music video for this song went viral and the band became an overnight sensation due to its very light-hearted/comedic approach.  But on top of that it's a catchy, infectious track with a terrific hook.  

But as I say even though they have only really just broken through in the UK and US.  This is their 6th album, and it appears Germany have been keeping them a secret since they formed in 2010.  Out of the 6 albums, 4 have gone top 10 in Germany. And it says it all when Wikipedia don't even mention where they charted for any of their albums in UK and US.  One of the reasons for this may have been that recently they have removed a lot of their older songs from streaming services due to offensive lyrics.  So maybe the media were aware of them over here but deemed them too risky to cover.

Another interesting thing about this band is that they only recently changed their name to Electric Callboy as they use to be called Eskimo Callboy.   After starting to get more recognition, particularly in the US, it was brought to their attention that the term "eskimo" is an offensive term to certain groups of people in Alaska.  So, after the band realised this they did some research on this and decided it would be for the best if they changed their name.  To give them their dues, they did a series of you tube videos explaining what they were doing and why with the name change.  They are often known for their comedic side but this they dealt with, with extreme maturity and seriousness.  I like that they kept the first word in the name beginning with "E" too and keeping Callboy.  So the band is still recognisable.

But onto "Tekkno" and this is a really fun, outlandish, rollercoaster of an album that really has set them apart from anything that is out there at the moment.  Some music acts which have a comedy element focus too much on comedy and not enough about the music. But Electric Callboy have the talent in all areas.  They combine metalcore and electronic music and their songs are really catchy. All 10 of them. 

 
They do front load the album with the biggest hits, with "Pump it" kicking off. Then "We Got the Moves".  “*&^)boi” features a band called Conquer Divide and has a good balance between female and male vocals.  "Arrow of Love" is probably my favourite song at the moment.  I would say the most interesting and different track on the album, is the closing song "Neon".  The reason for this is because it is really a ballad to close off.  But not a soft ballad, but the singer does put a lot of emotion into it.  So much so it's the most Chester Bennington sounding vocals I have heard in a long time.  That is a compliment as Chester was of course a true great.  As good as the vocals are on this track, there would be a danger if they went down this route in future, they would become a Linkin Park tribute act.  Whereas with the other 9 tracks on the album prove, they are very much in their own lane at the moment.  As I say though "Neon" is a nice way to finish the album still.

Overall, "Tekkno" is a very good album from a band who have clearly paid their dues in their homeland over the last 12 years and are maturing like a fine wine both in terms of music and just generally.  I noticed also this is the first album with new singer Nico Sallach after the departure of Sebastian Biesler.  Clearly Nico has had a very positive influence on the band and I can see them going from strength to strength in years to come.

 

Boston Manor - Datura

 

"Datura" is the fourth album by Blackpool alt rockers Boston Manor.  These guys were definitely my best find during lockdown.  With their previous album "Glue" being my favourite album of 2020.  Since then, they released a 5 track EP last year and now in 2022 we have an album.

But is "Datura" really an album?   Well, that's up for debate as it is only 7 tracks.  Of course, you do get albums with not many tracks but due to the length of tracks they can be longer than some albums with lots of tracks.  "Amarok" by Mike Oldfield for example, 1 track but 1 hour long.  But this album comes in at 26 minutes and usually I would say an album should be at least 30 minutes.  But in a Q and A I saw with the band they were absolutely adamant it was an album.  So, if they say so you just have to go along with it.  One thing this does affect though is pricing as EPs really should be cheaper than albums as they have less music.  So maybe hear they are calling an album as well so they can sell for more.  And in these times, I wouldn't even argue with that as bands really need any help, they can get at the moment to keep going financially. So, if calling it an album means they can get more for it, you have to support it.

The other aspect of saying wait a minute, it's only 7 tracks, is that all you are going to give me?  Here you really have to zoom out and look at the bigger picture with Boston Manor.  They have released albums in 2016, 2018 and 2020.  Then released a 5 track EP in 2021.  There are many bands you don't hear from for years but here are Boston Manor giving you over 20 tracks in a 2-year period.  And in a way as well I think what they are doing is actually genius.  Many bands release long albums and then don't get to play many songs live from albums because they have too much to choose from.  Whereas as with Boston Manor, even though they still have loads of tunes to choose from. By doing shorter albums they can put a larger percentage of the EP and "Datura" into their set lists as they tour after each release.

So yeah, I think they did the right thing by releasing this as a 7-track album.  But what about the music I hear you say?  Well, the first couple of singles that came from "Datura" came in the form of "Foxglove" and "Passenger", both anthemic, rocking, singalong and just outstanding singles to kick off and really get any crowd bouncing.  Next single "Inertia" was the slower more downbeat track which takes you on a mesmerising journey.  I noted when this came out that it was the single version and was 4 minutes long.  So, I was highly anticipating the full-length version when coming to listen to the full album.  This is the last track of the album and to be honest I did feel a bit let down by it.  Don't get me wrong, they didn't ruin the song or the album.   But I felt this could have been turned into a truly epic, longer track.  Instead, what we got was the same as the single version then the last 2 minutes are kind of some random noises which don't really add to the song.  

"Crocus" was a last-minute single before the album dropped and that is another class tune.  Then moving onto the other tracks on the album.  Title track kicks off the album and has quite a moody feel about it and links in well with 2nd track "Floodlights on the square" which is where BM step it up a gear and the album bursts into life.  Momentum keeps going with "Foxglove", "Passenger and "Crocus".  Then the album takes an unexpected turn with "Shelter from the rain" as this is a purely instrumental track.  This is not trying to be anything big or outlandish.  More trying to create that moody, atmospheric vibe.  There is not a lot to it but it’s still an ok track.  I can't see it being on the set list but it's good to see them trying to mix things up a bit and try new things.  "Inertia" brings the album to a close.

Overall, I think the singles on this album stand shoulder to shoulder with the best tracks they have ever done. They have tried different things with this album and time will tell to see if it works in their favour.  It gives people something to talk about which is important for bands and overall, the album has really grown on me.  This is just part 1 of a 2-part project so it will be interesting to hear the other side of the album.  I am particularly intrigued to see if the end of "Inertia" makes more sense and links up with part 2 of the project.