Sounds Of System Breakdown - Sounds Of System Breakdown

What's most refreshing about Dublin's Sounds Of System Breakdown is that they're not out to impress anyone in particular. Their makeup - three lads whose guitars, percussion and electronic bleeps scrap it out for supremacy – would appear to place them in the queue behind the likes of Delphic and Mirrors as the next eighties-devoted, electro crossover contenders that could. But you won't find many militarily-ironed, matching white shirts here. Nor will you come across those perfectly lit, obscurely-cut press shots either. Indeed, stenciled onto mathematical paper, the cover art for the band's self-titled debut gives new depth to the term 'lovingly handmade'. There really is little sheen to Sounds Of System Breakdown and, for the most part, that's kind of great. While certainly accomplished, edges are nevertheless kept as rough as the record’s scissor-cut inlay card to allow a rare, unspoilt charm to shine through. 

On the consummately delivered side of things, there are some awfully big tunes on here. Groove-laden opener 'Vinegar Joe', boasting an early bongos appearance, sets the agenda right away before the frantic, fantastically programmed 'Electrolysis and Mood Enhancers' firmly grabs your attention immediately after. Though the two songs are quite different pace- and length-wise, they share a similar message, as Rob Costello's initial plea to not let ‘em grind you down hardens to the killer "Your taxes pay for their axes" line a song later. Further on, the raved-up 'Jaysyehaventacluedoyeh' (it makes more sense read with a hard Dublin accent) reminds this writer of the more banging side fellow guitars-and-mixers enthusiast Richie Egan can exhibit in a live setting, while six-minute closer 'The Secret's Out' sounds just as epic as it did when it first grabbed Ragged Words’ attention some three years ago.

But for all the moments that will put you in the mood for delving into the DFA back catalogue (or even have you reaching for Death From Above 1979's You're a Woman, I'm a Machine LP), a real game-changer arrives in the very different form of 'Love's Only Chemicals'. With minor accompaniment, the album's penultimate track is an unashamed piano ballad. Despite lacking the vocal prowess of, say, a young Tom Waits, Costello shows his songwriting chops on what amounts to a more than pleasant detour. True, the song sticks out a mile, but it’s unlikely many other acts currently vying to make theirs the sound of 2010 would even contemplate such a sudden deviation. It's a bold move, but one that’s pulled off with a loose confidence and winning charm that’s hard not love. 

Sounds Of System Breakdown is a winning debut too, from a young band who, while not looking to impress any particular corner of the room, will leave their mark on most that walk through the door.