The band's silly name belies that fact that they are quite capable of some of the moodiest pop around.  This Finnish quintet can conjure a very grey atmosphere, primed by a guitar sound that grafts early-Teenage Fanclub jangle to a later-Beatles blues rock --  I would love to hear them do "I Want You (She's So Heavy)".  Some tracks would more than adequately convey the emotional vagaries of busted romance if they were instrumentals, a tribute to how effectively they are played.  The best of the 'darker' numbers meld this sound with lyrics that avoid whiny self-pity, instead conveying a great deal of wit, if not insight.  However, a couple mood pieces don't offer enough in the hook and/or vibe department.
The record is decently balanced with less immediately striking upbeat numbers that range from the very good to the rote.  The best of this batch:  "Gift" (very TFC!), "Pooch" and "Blinded By The Sun".  On the whole, the record doesn't deliver as much as it promises, but the obvious talent and ambition on display are major positives, and make Ben's Diapers a contender.
MIKE BENNETT (6)
 
 
 

Celebrate The Cliche is available at www.notlame.com
Bens Diapers website: http://hop.to/bensdiapers
 
 

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