Music Review: Under the Influence of Giants

Rating: 3/5 stars

Chances are you probably haven't heard of these four guys before. I only just came across their music not long ago, and even then it was by accident. But the band's name says it all: Under the Influence of Giants. And the first time you hear their self-titled debut album, you can tell that they really are, and that they have many different influences.

Upon first listen, it strikes you as something familiar. "Ah Ha" and "Stay Illogical" sound like the high pitch disco sounds of the Bee Gees' Barry Gibb. "In the Clouds" sounds very Scissor Sisters-ish. Track 8, "Against All Odds," is comparative to that same funky sound of Earth, Wind & Fire. And the last song on the UTIOG album, "Meaningless Love," brings you back from the disco to a sort of Madonna pop song.

It's almost as if every song sounds like something else you've heard before. But it's all music that you like, so maybe it's not such a bad thing. Even the style of this Island Def Jam Los Angeles-based band is influenced by others, with their disco-era colored suits and white loafers, and hairstyles reminiscent of what we see on the Beatles' Sgt. Peppers album cover.

The music may sound a bit retro, but their lyrics aren't. "In the Clouds" is about -- what else -- sex. Even with the opening lyrics, you get it. "I like the bullet in the water, yeah/ I like the morning after pill, hello/ Breathe in/ Lose control". The biggest and arguably best song on the album, "Mama's Room," is about having sex in your parents' bedroom. "Whoa, Lay right on the floor/ I wanna hear no more" and "Makin' love in mama's room/ Takin' all I can from you" pretty much explain it all.

My question is that if this band is really under the influence of such famous musical artists, can they even stand out on their own without being in anyone else's shadow? Maybe, maybe not. But there's just something about it that keeps you coming back, for now at least. It's all pretty catchy, though it probably won't last for the long term.

But hey, it's good while it's hot.

Standout Songs:

Mama's Room

In the Clouds

Meaningless Love

For more information and touring dates:

www.utiog.com

www.myspace.com/thegiants

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