| · What U2 could have been – if they had guts and a better guitar player.
This powerful quartet from Sweden do not disappoint on Das Not Compute, their second full-length release on Epitaph records. Packed with pretty guitar melodies, strong vocals and interesting arrangements, this album rarely strays from straight-up 4/4 rock and roll – for good reason.
Division of Laura Lee’s presence is reminiscent of several bands who gained popularity in the late-’80s and early-’90s, yet they avoid sounding recycled or derivative. Instead they achieve a unique generosity not present in many acts. Songs such as "Loveless" access the sonic essence of My Bloody Valentine and The Jesus and Mary Chain with thick guitars and effortless vocals. Other tracks like "Q2" address heavier, mathematical tendencies à la Fugazi. Bonus points for the wistful bonus track "Quiet = Silence" and the incorporation of soft female vocals on a rock album.
Like many bands on the Epitaph label, Division of Laura Lee do not shy away from politics. The lyrics for "Endless Factories" and "We Are Numbers" confront industry, commercialization and class with clever conviction minus any sermon.
With everybody going crazy for Sweden, DOLL should enjoy some commercial success with this record. Let’s face it, nothing quite says rock like loud solos, catchy melodies and yelling "Yeah!" over and over. Das Not Compute offers all that and so much more.
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