By Remington Fioraso (Contributor) – Email
Print Edition: November 5, 2014
Upon reminiscing about the days of flip phones, I recall downloading my first ringtone: “That’s Not My Name” by the Ting Tings. The indie pop group had emerged into the mainstream with the release of We Started Nothing in 2008. I was addicted to the album for three full months, never going a day without listening to it. I can still sing every word.
The second release in 2012, Sounds From Nowheresville, was a huge disappointment in comparason to We Started Nothing. It was a record that was put aside and forgotten about.
Two years later, I found myself wondering, “What happened to the Ting Tings?” I was surprised to find out the UK group was set to release a new album. Being optimistic, though certainly without high expectations, I wanted to check it out.
On October 24 this year, the Ting Tings released their third album, Super Critical. The release contains nine tracks including the singles “Wrong Club” and “Do It Again.” The nine-track release marks the group’s first album away from Columbia Records UK and the first to be released via Finca Records.
Opening up the album is the title track, “Super Critical,” which was featured on the soundtrack for FIFA 15. After listening to it, I realized how much I missed hearing Katie White’s vocals. Although the opening track is not the best song on Super Critical, it does entice you to continue listening.
“Daughter,” “Do It Again,” and “Wrong Club” are the strongest tracks on Super Critical. They’re catchy, easy to dance to, and showcase what the Tings Tings are best at doing. They contain infectious hooks that are reminiscent of We Started Nothing. While being simplistic lyrically, the tracks are of similar nature to “Shut Up and Let Me Go” and “That’s Not My Name” from their first release. The difference being a funk twist added to the indie-pop sound.
The remaining tracks are simply hit and miss. They are okay, but nothing truly stands out. However, they manage to grow on you after a few listens.
Overall, Super Critical is better than their second album. Still, though, in comparison to their first, it is a mediocre release. If anything, I would recommend picking up the singles “Wrong Club” and “Do It Again” as well as “Daughter” from Super Critical rather than the full release. Just don’t expect the group to perform wonders and achieve the same levels of fame and brilliance that We Started Nothing had.
