Grand National - 'Animal Sounds'

Now, electro for the most part, especially that of an overly deliberate 80’s approach, can be elitist at its most kind of moments. Grand National, however, decide to take that elitist aesthetic and set fire to it and dance the robot upon its ashes as they have created a chilled out, smart and catchy groove of a song to keep the ardent haters of cheese happy.

Somewhat akin to the likes of New Order in its course, ‘Animal Sounds’ is unashamedly rooted in the 80’s new wave and electro movement yet doesn’t come off as a bad Miami Vice soundtrack song. With blips and bleeps sporadically going off warning of the big guitar lines to come, it is more of an homage to Air or Cut Copy than anything else: not particularly original, easy to dance and listen to, yet easily forgettable – it will chill you right out. Just don’t expect to see it on anyone’s top 10 list this year. Cool, calm and collected, this band seem to be breaking the mould with electro music by playing for lovers of music rather than trying to sound cool. Check ‘em out, they may make a convert of you yet.

Released 11/02/08 on Sunday Best.