The Adored love
the Buzzcocks. Their debut album,
A New Language, spotlights their die-hard admiration for the Manchester punk band for an enthusiastic new-millennium punk sound of their own. The high-spirited set is a mix of 14 different fist-pumping anthems, sunny California harmonies, and sugary-sweet punk melodies. It also channels classic bits of
the Clash,
the Jam, and
Squeeze, but don't be quick to dismiss the Adored as another wannabe band. They're not really looking to be a part of the post-post-punk revival that's brought
the Bravery and
the Dead 60s. To put it simply, the Adored are one of those bands to take at face value, as moving beyond the riotous good time that is
A New Language would be beside the point: these songs are fun! From the slapping basslines and retro-thumping drums of "The Queen's Head" and the surly playfulness of "We Don't Want You Around," the Adored never lose momentum. Their rabble-rousing is pretty steady throughout, especially on the pogo-pouncing "Hold Up!" and "Could It Be?" They also do their best
Smiths impersonation on "Young Again," as vocalist Ryan asks, "Tell me what's the point of speaking out with a sunken voice and touch of doubt?" without sounding too cheeky.
A New Language might not be for everyone, but it's a decent rock record that's loaded with excitement. If
Pete Shelley liked them enough to appear on their 2005 EP, the Adored obviously have something. ~ MacKenzie Wilson