The 05 - Pretty Nonsense

by Chris Jones

published: 14 / 11 / 2002

Label: Firestation Tower
Format: CD

Eclectic debut album, which runs through a range of styles from punk to synthesiser pop to ska, from the German label Firestation Tower's latest signings

Review

Sneery vocals and a punky attitude greet you on the title track and continue throughout most of this album by The 05, though there are some odd twists and turns along the way. There are also a lot of synth-y / electronic tones along for the ride, some of which seem purposely campy sounding - like on the cover of the German soul classic 'Lovebells'. For some reason I can't help but think of Bis when I listen to the first few songs on this album, which is actually a bit strange as I don't own a single thing by Bis. The track, 'Broken Dreams', brings more of a Brit-rock than punky feel to it, but it still has it's share of synth tones. This continues on 'Flying Wonderworld', which also has acoustic guitar and a more traditional sounding organ in the background. Next thing you know 'A Beggars Song' hits you with this almost skiffling, shuffling sound followed by a mod-rocky 'I Feel Love' complete with ska style horns. And then it's back to a sneery, new-wave, punky thing on 'Fly Your Dreams'. Whew! I'm having a hard time keeping up here... The 05 seems like a band that has a fun time making music together. They incorporate a number of different styles and have no problem mixing them all up in the same song. I can't say this album fits into my normal listening spectrum, but it was a fun listen none the less.

Track Listing:-

1 Pretty Nonsense
2 When You Fall
3 Lovebells
4 Broken Dreams
5 Flying Wonderworld
6 My Favourite Things
7 A Beggars Song
8 I Feel Love
9 Fly Your Dreams
10 Ordinary Lovesong
11 My Plan
12 Tears Of Our Love