I’d heard of the Dandy Warhols before but hadn’t really listened much to their music. I know they’ve had good press coverage in the past and I was pleasantly surprised with this new album. This band is progressive.

They are a band using guitars, bass, drums, percussion, keyboards, bells and harmonica so they have a live raw band feel yet it’s the experimentation of sounds that really give them a unique edge. They

have a tight and well-orchestrated band sound, like Snow Patrol, for example that makes for good listening. However what inspires me about ‘Odditorium Or Warlords Of Mars’ is the audacity and boldness to push live music into new areas, similar to what Radiohead did with ‘OK Computer’. The Dandy Warhols have their own sound that stretches from blues to rhythm and blues, with a country edge. There’s good guitar, drums and an audacity and boldness that is ballsy without being overwhelming. There’s also a feel good factor to this album and all the seriousness of band that has integrity, good musicianship and a point to prove in a time where bands seem to have a short shelf life. Courtney Taylor has a voice with individuality that is unique and unassuming. There’s confidence here rather than arrogance.

There’s no selling out from The Dandy Warhols, from epic soft prog-rock pieces to sing along songs there’s something for every deep lover of music. What is great about this album is that it’s pushing the scope of a live band sound. There are many layers, depth and a large range of diverse songs. This album to me has all the hallmarks of longevity. It’s an album kids may discover and gain inspiration from and an album that people could be playing in a decade. It’s great to hear some good stuff that has atmosphere and an eclectic individual edge however I’d be happily surprised if they gain the instant popularity with this more challenging stuff.

Tareck Ghoneim