Whether or not you enjoy Rocky – the debut record from Derry four-piece Wonder Villains – is very much a matter of time, and of timing. Loaded with ditzy melodies, chirpy keyboards and knowingly cheesy lyrics, opening tracks ‘TV’, ‘Blonde’ and ‘Zola’ do not demand to be attended to on any kind of cerebral level. But served up with a side order of barbeque, beer and scorching sunshine, you might just find yourself bopping along to what are sweet bursts of squeaky-clean sunshine-pop and teenage nostalgia.
A much-welcome sense of balance filters through further on, and songs like ‘Ferrari’ and fan favourite ‘Oh Peter’ come to the fore. Although the infectious pop hooks still remain, they tone down the bubble-gum personality somewhat, allowing Eimear Coyle’s delightful vocals and their clever instrumentation to shine.
Arguably, a the most impressive things about Wonder Villains is that they managed to convince ex-Chelsea and Italian footballing demi-God Gianfranco Zola to appear in a video. Sure, ‘Zola’ isn’t the greatest song in the history of the world, but GIANFRANCO ZOLA!!! Top marks, lads.
Otherwise, this is an album that screams the promise of even better things to come.
OUT NOW.