Baby Monster - Baby Monster

One becomes slightly entrapped when listening to ‘Baby Monster’, rather like being stuck in a futuristic, retro electro time warp. Hailing from Oregon, Baby Monster offer an eclectic, psychedelic pop mix. Although the likes of other duos such as MGMT and Empire of the Sun spring to mind, these guys at times manage to sound like their scuzzier, darker younger sister.

Opener, ‘The Fear Of Charlie Sunrise’ is pleasant enough, with drum clashes and obligatory synths. However by ‘Russian Lights’, track five, it all feels quite repetitive. ‘Kalookan Queen’ however, offers some change in the proceedings by slowing things down, and offers some hope that there will be variety in this psychedelic offering. The album, however, falls short of this and slips back into familiar territory. Others have got there before and done it better, and perhaps one could say that the moment for this retro revival has passed.

Allthough very listenable, Baby Monster aren’t telling us something different. It’ll happily play in the background but has the feel of heard-it-all-before, like, two years ago. It won’t set the music world alight or cite a revolution, but as far as electric, synth laden attempts go, this is a solid album, enjoyable in the moment. No more, no less.