REVIEW: DDT, Urban Observer (TMC/Elektra)
- Chris Hill
From the promo: "By unpacking the finest elements of their ska, punk, rap and rock influences, DDT have rejuvenated the dynamic power pop institution." Behind the supermall of influences and press hyperbole is musicianship which lends a legitimacy to this claim. You'd expect that from the first release on Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich's TMC label.
Topical issues abound on the album: political hypocrisy ("Lie Detector"), the modern generation gap ("Blue Hair Crimes"), rampant consumerism ("Styrofoam"). With sixteen songs, there's also room for the traditional (the brilliant AOR should-be-staple "Liquid", the schizophrenic skank-rocker "Overripe") and the funny ("Hey Steve", with samples of Steve Austin's trademark bionic sound effects and a Sean Connery sound-alike reciting the show's intro, "Hounds" with band members baying to close out the album).
Brian Howes has a voice build for rock, which plays well against Cory Perry White's rap and backup vocals, similar to 311's vocal combo. Point of fact, fans of that band will embrace DDT. DDT's arrangements are similarly tight (aided by veteran producer Matt Wallace), their music is punchy and upbeat, and their lyrics are provocative, positive, and humorous. Urban Observer is an auspicious sign of future success for both band and label.
