Art Brut, Bang Bang Rock and Roll

Bang Bang Rock and Roll, the debut album from London band Art Brut is a masterpiece of catchy tunes, ironic lyrics and shouty vocals. Lead singer Eddie Argos has been compared favourably to Jarvis Cocker in the press and it's certainly an apt description with songs such as "Good Weekend" and single "Emily Kane" revelling in slightly dirty youthful romance and suburban drama.

Art Brut combine Britpop-influenced tunes with sarcastic observation, and despite Argos being nearly incapable of carrying a tune, you do find yourself shouting along because musically Art Brut are undeniably catchy and lyrically they're a treat.

But most of all, the reason this album is so great is that Art Brut must be admired for taking potshots at both obsessive music fans ("My Little Brother") who take their favourite bands far too seriously and at Indie bands themselves ("Formed a Band") who think that their music is the answer to all the world's troubles. Plus they do it in a very entertaining way.

Go out and buy this and put Art Brut on Top of the Pops....!