The Ting Tings

The Ting Tings are an indie/pop duo, the band consists of two members: Jules De Martino (drums, guitar, vocals) and Katie White (vocals, guitar, bass drum). Although and pop/indie genre, they manage to expose both without diluting either of them.The pair were originally from Manchester but formed in 2006. at Salford.

In their short career, they have been signed with Columbia Records and released 3 singles including the hit "That's Not My Name" which went straight to the top of the chart at number one in the UK Singles Chart. They really stirred fans only depositing singles but steadily bulit up the launch of one of the most exciting British indie/pop records to emerge. The debut album 'We Started Nothing' was released on May 19, 2008 and also charted at Number 1 in the UK. This album, in my opinion, succeeds with spectacular style.

Track Listing
1. Great DJ
2. That’s Not My Name
3. Fruit Machine
4. Traffic Light
5. Shut Up and Let Me Go
6. Keep Your Head
7. We Walk
8. Be the One
9. Impacilla Carpisung
10. We Started Nothing

"That's Not My Name" is a track that is relentlessly catchy and with its punk-funk type style was bound to get peoples attention, as it has. The song "Be the One" sounds quite a lot like a Blondie Style one but is still a great tune. The Ting Tings throw in a lot of untreated guitars, powerful lyrics and a certain edginess. This album has really obscure lyrics that really are catchy and you can't help but sing along. The Ting Tings really deserve indie credit. Many people miss the point of the music and don't appreciate it, they seem to think that the songs are something written by children, but as childish as the lyrics, i actually enjoy it. Its good listening to them to brighten the mood because i know that I will hear something I havn't heard before. It doesn't get repetitive and i'm always happy with the outcome. I would reccommend this album to people who enjoy indie or dance style music because I find that it's no disappointment.

MGMT

MGMT is a two piece electro band from Brooklyn. Its two members, Andrew Vanwyngarden and Ben Goldwasser, are exentric to say the least, wearing matching capes in their videos and their funky keyboard and synth lines make this album something different and exciting. They sound like teenagers experimenting with music and different styles, they treat this record as if its their shot at glory and, in their success, deliver a very impressive album.

Their debut album, 'Oracular Spectacular', was released on the 10th of March, 2008. "Time To Pretend" was their first single off the album, and was warmly welcomed througout the music community and was met with raving reviews. "This is our decision, to live fast and die young/ We've got the vision, now let's have some fun," sing the duo in incredibly beautiful, ghostlike harmony. The first four songs, (Time to Pretend, Weekend Wars, The Youth and Electric Feel) are ridden with deep synth lines, and catchy lyrics. However, the next six songs fade into a less 'funk inspired' sound and the listener is hit with a wave of surfy-sounding guitars and quivering vocals. This at times works to the band's advantage, but towards the end of the record, especially in the last two songs, create a forced sound. I think most people would interpret the interesting lyrics wrong as they are, in a way in each song, referring to someone who is going all out in life.

Tracklist

1. Time To Pretend
2. Weekend Wars
3. The Youth
4. Electric Feel 5. Kids
6. 4th Dimensional Transition
7. Pieces of What
8. Of Moons, Birds & Monsters
9. The Handshake
10. Future Reflections

One of the more obvious elements of 'Oracular Spectacular' is its idea based upon youth, both losing and finding it as an individual. Vanwyngarden and Goldwasser are at that age where innocence has just died yet they're looking forward to a vibrant future ahead. But regardless, it's still a extremely promising debut. These two young musicians really proved what interesting abilities they have and 'Oracular Spectacular' really delivered.