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Launchpad [Issue
#18]
Girls On Film:
By
Mandana Beigi
Danceteria
(CD
Native Sun)
Part retro, part progressive,
this four-piece girl band from Tallahassee, Florida has managed to put a new spin
on electronic music.
Danceteria is the
band’s first full-length album, which arrives about five years after the
girls first experimented with the electronic/synth pop sound on their popular
three-song EP, “Love Robot.” In 2003, the band won first place at Florida
State University’s battle of the bands, leading them to numerous broadcast
performances and interviews on the local radio stations.
Girls on Film have
a unique sound - one that cannot be well described in words, but the band itself
refers to it as, “Dancetronic Glam Wave!” So, what is this “Dancetronic
Glam Wave?” Well, it’s a retro fashion-fueled hybrid of synth pop and
high-energy stage antics, which has made Girl’s On Film’s shows so popular
in the Southeast. And even though I have never seen them live, their energy and
theatrics ring through on the album.
Danceteria
is not a glossy production, nor is it the type of album that would appeal to the
mainstream, but it’s a lot of fun for those of us who could appreciate a
good synth pop record with plenty of cyclical riffs. Although at times there are
hints of early Gwen Stefani in lead singer Rio’s voice, she should be credited
for sticking to her own style and make whining cool again. “Vaporized,”
“House on Fire,” and “Love Robot” are some favorites on Danceteria.
In addition
to their musical creativity, these girls have an eccentric flair in their art
direction and overall presentation. Get this album and see how cool it is to open
up the CD jewel box and hold a mini vinyl record in your hand!
Girls on Film
are Rio: (vocals), Metro (keyboards), Machine (electronic drums), and Kazhmir
(bass guitar). Oh, did I mention that they wear brightly colored spandex dresses
with New Wave hairstyle, make-up, and accessories?
Danceteria
Native Sun
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