New Pants - Dragon Tiger Pancea (Album)
» Regurgitator - Batman Fawkner, Tas - November 10, 2007
» Regurgitator - Night Train Entertainment Complex, SA - October 13, 2007
Listening to this album, you would have absolutely no idea that these guys used to be a punk band, I didn't. This is the first release from New Pants that I've heard, despite them having released seven recordings prior to this one. The most noticeable thing about Dragon Tiger Panacea is that New Pants have adapted so perfectly to the whole indie-dance genre that it's almost scary. It sounds like something Architecture In Helsinki would release if they did an 80s kitsch album with Cut Copy.in Chinese.
The album kicks of with 'You're My Superstar', a tribute; in whimsical dance form, to the Ramones (I think) and it doesn't stop bopping there rambling on a steady pace, like the Knife on uppers. It's not really until 'Magical Shampoo' that the pace and tone of the album change. M-S being noticeably more up-beat and aggressive than the songs prior. Sounding strangely like something you might compose on a $10 drum pad from an electronics shop while an old Hong-Kong martial arts film is played in the background.
At times the whole 80s-retro-kitsch thing can become a bit tiresome especially on some of the later tracks such as 'I Miss Her' and 'Culture Club' as at times do the constant nods to Chinese culture, particularly the karate effects. However you can't help but grin and do the robot while listening to it. The album is so lighthearted and tongue-in-cheek that it's hard to take anything on the album seriously. Like all dance music there is a certain amount of piss-taking involved, and if you're not aware of it the whole experience can become quite dreary.
Unfortunately for English listeners most of the lyrics are in Chinese (except for 'Bye Bye Disco') so I have no idea what they're singing about, but I get the feeling somehow that their Chinese speaking fans are having a good laugh about.In short, Dragon Tiger Panacea is a strong release full of poppy, Chinese, indie-dance. If you're a fan of the Knife, Cut Copy, Architecture in Helsinki or other bands that rely heavily on synthesizers or whimsy as part of their song-writing techniques, then this is heaven. If you're not a fan of such devices then stay well clear; this album is not for you.
