Neon Neon--- Stainless Style

Neon Neon

Stainless Style

Here’s the obvious line: omg they are just like the Gorillaz!! But in all reality, Neon Neon (side project of Gruff Rhys and Boom Bip) are most similar to the Gorillaz in that their albums fluctuate in style and genre from minute to minute. Unlike the Gorilliaz though, they fall short in pulling the whole thing off. The album struggles with the polarity between Rhys’ 80s kitsch pop and Boom Bip’s frenetic hip hop. But don’t be scared-what happens is there are two clearly different strong threads both shine independently and only crumble when played as one album. (But who listens to a whole album straight though? It’s not the 80s kids. It just sounds like it.) Just like Chromeo’s premium blend of cheese, Rhys’ glam retro end even sends the 80s its’ love with song titles like “Michael Douglas” and “I Told Her on Alderaan.” (Take that, Leia!) Boom Bip’s highlight is “Luxury Pool,” with Fatlip guesting on the mic. Nothing on here reinvents the wheel, but when not smashed together, each side has some track worthy of your next dance party.