Not for the casual listener...
Michael Kennedy | Greensboro | 04/02/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
""This Is Animal Music" is a quirky title that is more than appropriate---it just might not be for most humans...
Music "fans" (who make up, oh, 80+ percent of the buying public) typically listen to, and buy, music that fills in the white spaces in the background comfortably. Music that takes little or no effort and less thought. This is why jazz has always been close to the bottom (but above opera) of "genre" sales.
Look Mexico produces music that will put you off-balance---intentionally---they mean to get your attention, and if you refuse to pay attention, it is your loss. Sure, these guys want to be successful---everyone would like tons of fans and make even more tons of money. But they are not willing to compromise---they will do it on THEIR terms---this is THEIR music, no one elses, and if YOU are willing to put in 1% of the effort THEY put into making it, you will GET it and have a great experience.
Be warned---there are no simple 4/4 or 2/4 beats here---no droning techno dance lines---no "Emo for Dummies" either. It may take a half dozen listens to get the hang of this stuff (musically) and the off-balance humor of most of the lyrics, and most will not be willing to invest the time.
INVEST THE TIME!
This is a first step---Look Mexico is creating their own path and it will only get better...be adventurous for once..."
Dark in tone, but not in words
Feminist Review blog | worldwide | 07/30/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Tear down your Fall Out Boy and Against Me! posters, Tallahassee group Look Mexico should officially be a band to watch in 2007. Their style raises comparisons to American Football, but Look Mexico scores enough follow along lyrics and pop promise to draw in fans sick of manufactured pop punk on the radio while maintaining an indie credibility and sensibility with experimental arrangements.
While many of the lyrics are not as sharp as the music, these boys should be commended for offering an alternative to mainstream pop punk. There is no pretension involved. The band may not take themselves seriously, but they are serious about their music. "Done and Done" could be a bonafide radio hit - dark in tone, but not in words declaring: "you can be lighthearted, but you can't be funny."
"Dude, You have a Bazooka" sounds as if a 16 year-old boy with a faux hawk titled it for him and his friends in their basement; however, it is actually an instrumental track that moves as smoothly as if it were composed by the great Explosions in the Sky. Many of the song titles are similarly named, but there's nothing to laugh about with This is Animal Music."
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1