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"Idea Of A Joke"  Idea Of A Joke  Release date: 2004  Label: Less Than TV

If you want a recent reference point then imagine a more frenzied, less harmony-drenched take on The Futureheads. Go back a bit and this Shizuoka four-piece are influenced by the spikier end of British post-punk, with a lot of Gang Of Four (is there any band these days that isn't influenced by them?) in the rhythm and the guitar sound. "Memphis" is the poppiest track on offer, mixing insanely catchy vocal hooks with layers of cyclical bass and guitar riffs that occasionally border on the melodic, but the two other tracks both offer just as much in terms of power and punch. Needless to say, they are amazing live, but the production on this CD does a good job of capturing the thrill. Oh, and it's all over in less than ten minutes, which is as pop as they come and a sure sign that Idea Of A Joke are on the right road towards greatness. -Ian Martin, Jan.19.05 Idea Of A Joke

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