Perusing the promo sump, I stumbled across Idiot Robot, intrigued by the grunge tag they were saddled with. Being an avid fan of the ’80’s/’90’s grunge scene, Seattle rock movement and ’90’s alt-rock in general, I’m a sucker for this shit. Hell, even 2023’s Somnuri album, which kicked endless arse, sealed my love with its earwormy grunge hooks and melodies. Under closer investigation, I realized our resident spongey friend Kenstrosity reviewed the Floridian duo’s self-titled debut album in 2020, where despite endearing elements of nostalgia, the end result was something akin to a dumpster fire. Nearly four years have passed, and everyone has room for improvement, right? Let’s dive into the weird musical dimensions of the sophomore album from these fun-loving goons, entitled Anti Pop Culture.
Where to start with describing Idiot Robot? ’90’s alternative rock is the obvious domain where the duo still operates. In the promotional materials, Idiot Robot cite prominent bands such as Mudhoney, Screaming Trees, Pavement and Husker Du, along with labels including Sub Pop and Matador Records, as loves and influences. Those musical influences aren’t entirely accurate to the actual music the duo deploys across the album. Ryan Michalski (vocals, guitar, bass, synths, drums) and Clint Listing (vocals, guitar, bass) go bigger and bolder on this second opus, bumping runtime up to a hefty 50 minutes as they combine stripped-back aesthetics and a laidback, slacker charm, with fuzzy indie-pop melodies and tone that fluctuates from dreary, melancholy vibes (“Never Again,” “Waiting Around”) to snotty pop-punk and fuzzy rock angst (‘Stop,” “Gonna Cry”).
Credit where credit is due, the material comprising Anti Pop Culture feels more developed and refined compared to the bare bones, lo-fi misfires of the debut. Despite this layer of refinement, notwithstanding a rather low-quality promo file provided, Idiot Robot ensure the grittier, DIY tone is not scrubbed completely clean. Furthermore, Idiot Robot manage to project ripples of ’90’s alternative rock nostalgia and heartfelt emotion into the album. Opening single “Colors and Sounds” features decent energy and Pixies-esque shades, though a recurring issue with repetition and troublesome vocals takes the shine off. Simplistic, melancholic ballad “Never Again” has hints of a subdued Nirvana, or even Elliott Smith, done Idiot Robot style. It’s not half bad on the surface but doesn’t really liftoff, before ending abruptly. Extra vocal layers and synths adorn “Why Must I,” a song badly in need of direction and a less repetitive, irritating chorus. After a promising start, the angsty attitude of “Stop” devolves into a laughably bad “Stop/Go/Stop” chorus refrain. I don’t recommend sipping on a beverage while listening to this one. By now you probably get the picture of the album’s unfortunate flaws.
Shifting from fuzzy, buzzy rockers to acoustic-driven pop ditties with limited success, including major issues in execution and the crafting of tuneful, interesting or memorable songs, Anti Pop Culture is a tough album to like or endorse. Any endearing or redeemable elements are drowned out by the album’s misfiring songwriting, strangled melodies, and grating, frequently shoddy vocal performance. Songs like the moody, acoustic-based rock of “Waiting Around” features a solid musical foundation, undone by another ho-hum arrangement and nerve-shredding singing that again misses the mark. “Say It” rumbles with heavier guitar work and grinding distortion, before severely hampering itself with another shocker of a one-dimensional chorus that sounds like a bad parody. “Dad & Mom” features a darker tone, soft-loud dynamics, and lyrical themes of alcoholism and domestic violence. The execution is rather heavy-handed, but raw emotion and tension is effectively conveyed. Meanwhile, the jovial, melodic pop-punk of “One Night” offers a refreshing change of pace.
Idiot Robot is a duo making music for the love of making music, and I would never question their stubborn commitment to their wonky craft, or the genuine emotion, throwback vibes and likable DIY aesthetics permeating Anti Pop Culture. Despite my limited exposure to their debut, Anti Pop Culture sounds more assured, diverse and refined by comparison. Sadly, this is offset by a significantly bloated runtime, uninteresting or undeveloped arrangements, and songwriting that either goes nowhere interesting, or lacks cohesion or ear-catching moments. Throw in some rather questionable lyrics and a routinely strained vocal performance that misses the mark consistently, and Anti Pop Culture is a curious listen, but ultimately unsuccessful, deeply flawed sophomore outing.
Rating: 1.5/5.0
DR: 7 | Format Reviewed: 155 kbps mp3
Label: Self-Release
Websites: facebook.com/Idiotrobot | idiotrobot.bandcamp.com
Releases Worldwide: March 15th, 2024
