This one from
The Queen's University Journal reserves a spot on the spaceship:
IMA ROBOT
Ima Robot
(Virgin)
"Sometimes you listen to an album and you just want to dance.
At first glance, Ima Robot's self-titled debut album seems little more than kitschy novelty. The album's cover shows the Los Angeles based
five-piece marching on an unknown planet in outer space, with their wonderfully quirky name in sparkly, block letters in the background.
However, at the album's outset I was pleasantly surprised with its tasty brand of new wave art-punk, coupled with lovable bratty vocals, not
unlike that of Hot Hot Heat.
The opening track, aptly titled "Dynomite," explodes with thick, chunky bass and pounding beats. The next few songs that follow are of such
beautiful chaos and pure party energy that it was quite difficult to listen to this record sitting down.
Along with "Dynomite"-the band's first single-"Song #1," "Alive" and "A is for Action" all showcase Ima
Robot's unquestionable ability to make edgy dance music.
The first half of the album provides such great, ass-shakin' guitar riffs and singalong anthem choruses, it's a shame that the band is
relatively unknown.
As the album progresses, it becomes less catchy and accessible, which may turn off some listeners, but its their eccentricity that makes them so
great.
Ima Robot is definitely at its best when rocking as hard as possible. That being said, "Scream," one of the record's more sombre tunes
proves Ima Robot are still capable of writing a beautifully reflective love song. The combination of the plain piano and sincere vocals in the middle
of "Scream" is one of the record's finest moments.
Another highlight is the awesomely funky bonus track, "Black Jettas." It is an electro-hip hop masterpiece. This is one hell of a party
record that may still be hip enough to inspire a few shoe-gazing indie snobs to trade in their sneakers for some dance shoes."
-Brendan Kennedy