I was recommended this album by a few of my friends who saw this band supporting Panic! at the Disco back in 2006. This self-titled debut album proved to be a surprisingly original dance-rock sound filled with amazingly catchy and addictive songs.
Men, Women & Children (formerly known as 'Easy Tiger, Torpedo') were formed by the ex-Glassjaw guitarist Todd Weinstock. They are fronted by TJ Penzone and have supported the likes of Panic! at the Disco, Brand New and Lostprophets. This self-titled album was released in 2006 with unfairly limited commercial success.
The album starts with the song "Dance In My Blood" - a song title probably more at home in a My Chemical Romance album. The opening song, which was released as the band's first single, is a hugely catchy and upbeat song with chorus lyrics of "you don't need a reason to get out on the dance floor" challenging anyone to disobey this instruction.
The album continues with such instantly memorable and catchy songs such as "Lightning Strikes Twice in New York", "Messy" and "Monkey Monkee Men." The song "Monkey Monkee Men" features a guest appearance from Canadian Singer-Songwriter Chantal Kreviazuk. The 12 track album fails to present one weak link, it's a very complete album filled with 12 songs equally as addictive and varied as one another.
I was impressed enough by this album to go and see them live in late 2006 at the Oxford Zodiac during their headling tour of the UK. Their performance only enhanced my already good opinion of them. In this small intimate gig they came across as a hugely committed band able to put on a great live performance and as a band who appreciates every fan they have (though possibly because they don't have many.) After a very enjoyable gig they met their fans, gave out loads of free stuff and signed whatever could be found. All 6 members of this band came across as genuinely nice guys committed to their music.
With a new album on the horizon, Men, Women & Children's self titled debut album provides an introduction to this bands potential. It is an album bursting with hugely enjoyable and quickly addictive and original dance-rock songs.
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