Popular Damage - The Royal Fly
by Adrian Huggins
published: 11 / 6 / 2010
Label:
Popular Damage
Format: CDS
intro
Innovative electro dance-punk on multi-mixed EP from Berlin-based two-piece, Popular Damage
Huge buzzing bass-lines and thumping 808 drums is the order of play with this Germanic duo known as Popular Damage. With common interests in Berlin’s post-rock and indie scene Stephan Hengst and Nadine Raihani shed the less exciting realms of guitar music and plummet into making some banging tunes and remixes here. My initial thoughts on the original song was that I was not 100% keen on Nadine’s vocals, as they felt a little bit eighties-tastic, but that’s purely my personal preference. What I do love about what Popular Damage are bringing to the table is the full on noise of their blend of electro dance-punk. The original version and ‘Fukk offf remix’ of ‘Everybody Got Young’ have a whiff of Daft Punk about them and are quite robotic and precise. The 'Double Dragon' remix and Easy Money tread closer to the MSTRKRFT side of things with a tiny hint of Bjork to the vocals, which is way more to my preference I may add. They are, however, deeper, darker and filthier which is a good, good thing. The sort of dance music that spits attitude and harks back to the spirit of punk rock – getting up there and doing it, not standing behind any pretences or trends. Evidently Popular Damage’s live shows are well in keeping with this as they perform the song with bass, guitars, synths and samples rather than just spinning records. It feels like on this EP that they have done a really job of catching the spirit and sound of their live performance. It is either that or they just have a really hot producer that has made them a mouth-watering prospect. Another nice little surprise on this disc is their remix of moody indie types the XX. Their song ‘Crystalised’ is given a whole different slant on here and while the original is a broody and patient masterpiece this version just has to be heard. It is completely different, heavy and loud, but it totally works. Trust me, I bet even the XX cracked a smile when they heard this. The other remix on here comes in the form of Zoot Women’s ‘We Won’t Break’ which again is rocking…in a really dancey way, Absolutely class. This is really exciting stuff which just shows how innovative and versatile electro music really can be.
Track Listing:-
1 Everybody Got Young (Double Dragon Remix)2 Everybody Got Young (Original Mix)
3 Savvy In Newby (Original Mix)
4 Easy Money (Beatshaker And Blender Remix)
5 Easy Money (Original Mix)
6 Exclusive (Original Mix)
7 Everybody Got Young (Fukkk Offf Remix)
most viewed articles
current edition
The Church - Interview with Steve KilbeySimon Heavisides - Destiny Stopped Screaming: The Life and Times of Adrian Borland
In Dreams Begin Responsibilities - #15- On Being Dignified and Old aka Ten Tips From Jah Wobble On How To Be Happy.
Secret Shine - Interview
Vetchinsky Settings - Interview
Repomen - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Jack Roscoe - Interview
Sami Sumner - Interview
Near Jazz Experience - Interview
Flaming Stars - Interview
most viewed reviews
current edition
Lewis 'Burner' Pugh - Bullets for BreadIan Hunter - Defiance Part 2: Fiction
Inutili - A Love Supreme
Kula Shaker - Natural Magick
Smalltown Tigers - Crush On You
Hillbilly Moon Explosion - Back in Time
My Life Story - Loving You is Killing Me
David Cross Band - Ice Blue Silver Sky
Beyonce - Cowboy Carter
Ty Segall - Three Bells
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart