Republica

Republica

RCA Records, 1996

http://www.republicamusic.co.uk

REVIEW BY: Alfredo Narvaez

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 06/20/1998

I think that last year--or two years ago--you probably heard this band in dance clubs, but didn't know who they were. A British group that mixes both techno with some raw-edged rock (as the more "prestigious" music critics would say) and also combines the soft voice of their female vocalist. Sure, you may think that it could be any British techno group - and you would be right and wrong.my_heart_sings_the_harmony_web_ad_alt_250

This group is best known for two songs. The first one is "Drop Dead Gorgeous" - which appeared in the movie Scream. Since that movie was such a hit with the kiddies, the song was played a lot in dance clubs all over the globe. The other one? A huge dance hit called "Ready To Go." I mean, this song was overplayed to the point of nausea. Movies were pushed with it, magazines threw it in with their other "hit" collection CDs that they give out. Heck, there's two versions of the song in this album!

Take all of that and throw it out. It's the only way you can appreciate the album. "Ready To Go" is one of the best examples of pop mixing with techno. The song throws in acoustic guitars, electric guitars and every other noise you can think of and it sounds great. Another great example is "Bloke" which has one sweet riff - I mean, rock bands would love to have that riff. "Drop Dead Gorgeous" features more of that and you will eat it up.

The problem is that, aside from those songs, there's a generic sound to them. None of the other songs stand out. Some feature some quirky sonic punches, but you will be out of luck if you try to remember them. Not only that, but the songs just flow from one to the other to the other. They stop and differentiate only at the point where you recognize the single and that is it.

This album will be played - along with countless others - at large raves and at parties. It's good for that. However, if you try to sit and find any deepness to it, you are looking at the wrong centerfold. At best, throw it in and dance--you'll sing to the songs you know and not care about the rest.

Rating: C

User Rating: Not Yet Rated


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© 1998 Alfredo Narvaez and The Daily Vault. All rights reserved. Review or any portion may not be reproduced without written permission. Cover art is the intellectual property of RCA Records, and is used for informational purposes only.