Review Summary: The View are actually The Libertines, The Strokes, Cornershop and Oasis.
There's a certain indie-garage stereotype that one associates with British bands. You know, the thick accent, coupled with the drunken driving charge right after being caught for possession of whatever's hot these days. Kyle Falconer is every bit Pete Doherty as he is Julian Casablancas. And though The Strokes are fascinatingly American, The View are simply Brit.
The lazy swagger and roll of tongue, the cheeky tambourines, the rhythm based riffs, it's all there in Hats Off. But what's it with The View? It's not fluke that all, and I mean ALL, their tickets for their UK headline tour sold out within an hour! Technically speaking, they're not even from England (but when has that ever made a difference). These Scot indie darlings are the current NME hype, and though we all love the NME, there's always a pinch of salt to remind one of what one really wants to listen to.
The View aren't thinking too big with Hats Off. You're not going to find anything new here. But it's the old that they do well. Not surprising then that they toured with Babyshambles and Primal Scream in 2005. The melodies are simple, the accent is thick as the bluesy leads and simple lyrics. I'm still trying to understand why then did the album debut at #1 on the UK charts.
The album itself is energetic, but laid enough back to not force you to listen. Falconer is as Scot as Scot can be. Heck, I'd call him Irish with that accent. At times swinging between Dropkick Murphys and The Libertines, the album is packed with classic Scot indie-punk. Right from the opener Comin' Down to the singles Same Jeans and Wasted Little DJs, there's goons aplenty. And though none of the tracks are absolutely original, they're entertaining enough to ensure a few listens. The best song has to be The Don which is the Dancing Shoes of this album.
The problem with The View is that they're just not unique. And they keep shifting style. From The Libertines to suddenly Cornershop and even Oasis. Face for The Radio is an adorable acoustic piece but is daylight robbery to Oasis's Fade Away.
They say "The View are on fire". Unfortunately for them, there's nothing much here to light up about.
