Robots In Disguise - Get Rid

Lets face it, Robots In Disguise is a wonderful moniker. But, much like the cult cartoon that inspired it, this London duo can only provide a momentary nostalgia trip before transforming into rigidly dated robotics. Their electroclash inspired debut album 'Get Rid' is an amalgamation of eighties electronica and Riot Grrrl rock that's as kitsch as Les Rhythm Digitales. Unfortunately, the stagnant synths and tin-can beats create an insular and rusty sound that resembles Le Tigre – only without the choleric chaos. Admittedly the velcro-disco of Girl is a frantically contagious portion of feminist euphoria and the Tiga-esque DJ's Got A Gun is full of uber-trendy pop posturing, but the band lack the craft or poise to sustain their aspirations of club-land queens - as the trashy cover of You Really Got Me proves. Rather than being their Optimus Prime, Robots In Disguise's new record feels distinctly like a washed up Decepticon. [Billy Hamilton]