Under the Influence of Giants - Under the Influence of Giants
Reviewed by billwhite
"Ah ha," the title of the first track, on these Los Angeles boys' self-titled debut gives a significant clue as to the nature of exactly what giants have held an influence over them. Not just A-ha, but The Bee Gees, Madonna, and The Pet Shop Boys are among the inspirations here. Listeners who agree that these are truly the giants of popular music will undoubtedly thrill to this retro outfit. Under the Influence of Giants would make an ideal house band for an '80s themed dance club, but the band's debut is simply an out-of-sync, obnoxious reminder of the coke-addled nights and sleepwalking days of the Reagan era. The band is more than credible in emulating this music, which is either a good or bad thing, depending upon personal tastes. There are sure to be many who have been waiting 20 years for a band like this to come along. And others, like myself, won’t be able to stand it. [www.utiog.com]