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Alt Reviews

Mr. Gnome and Razorbill Reviewed

Mr. Gnome and Razorbill Reviewed

Mr. Gnome – Not This Time, Devil

Pop music has many famous stories that have fed its mythology. And it’s this mythology that the artists and those who represent them in business matters are so desperate to keep selling. Blink, and you’ll miss the latest documentary about a famous rock star being promoted by one of the hundreds of streaming services. In fact, you’ll be hard-pressed to think of rockstars and not be able to locate a documentary or biography about them. 

The story provides the hook a lot of times, especially for artists who are no longer in the position to hope for new hits. It’s a good gimmick. However, not everyone needs a story. Not every artist needs a detailed analysis of their work. The ones that can produce songs that hit you immediately and can distinguish themselves from the thousands of other tunes written in this style don’t need to waste time on an explanation. 

There’s very little you need to know about the American band Mr. Gnone. The fact that the dup has envisioned this band as an art project won’t help your listening experience. That is, plainly, because “Not This Time, Devil” sounds like a hit, and there’s nothing we can do about it. Yes, it brings to mind similar minimalist-garage-pop projects like The Kills or The Ting Tings. And, yes, the song is, essentially, just a bunch of hooks delivered in succession. But they hit just where and as hard as they should. “Not This Time, Devil” is a great, fun commercial single. 


Razorbill – What’s Not to Smile About

Rock musician and stuntman used to be the two most satisfying and dangerous professions on the face of the Earth. Neither one guaranteed that you’d ever have to worry about a pension plan, and both promised incredible excitement until the inevitable crash. Of course, kids everywhere bought themselves electric guitars or motorbikes. 

But things have changed. The unions have gotten involved, and safety precautions have been introduced. Rock stars don’t get a budget to indulge their fantasies anymore. And the few musicians who actually have cash to burn have joined Chris Martin in feasting on organic vegetables and mineral water backstage. It’s all just a shame for the people born at the wrong time. 

If the members of Razorbill had been born in a different generation, they’d be having the time of their lives and getting ready to break up or fall apart by the time of their third album. As things stand, the band has needed to turn to clever but mean power-pop songs, like the very catchy “What’s Not to Smile About”, and contemplate what a life of excitement must’ve been like. I am afraid that most musicians feel the same nowadays. Still, few write tunes that are as instantly memorable “What’s Not to Smile About.”

Mr. Gnome - Not This Time, Devil

9.0

Razorbill - What's Not to Smile About

8.0

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About author

Eduard Banulescu is a writer, blogger, and musician. As a content writer, Eduard has contributed to numerous websites and publications, including FootballCoin, Play2Earn, BeIN Crypto, Business2Community, NapoliSerieA, Extra Time Talk, Nitrogen Sports, Bavarian FootballWorks, etc. He has written a book about Nirvana, hosts a music podcasts, and writes weekly content about some of the best, new and old, alternative musicians. Eduard also runs and acts as editor-in-chief of the alternative rock music website www.alt77.com. Mr. Banulescu is also a musician, having played and recorded in various bands and as a solo artist.
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