Lauren K Newman – Postulate I

Measles Mumps Rubella – Fantastic Success / 2006 Doubling Cube / 7 Tracks / http://www.measlesmumpsrubella.com / http://www.doublingcube.com / Reviewed 24 March 2006

Is the style of music that Measles Mumps Rubella play influenced by the current angular sound of bands like Franz Ferdinand or something that seems to have more in common with the dance music of the eighties. Either way, “Algorithm of Desire” is a track that will get individuals on the dance floor. There is a considerable inorganic presence to this track, but the inclusion of breathing and a flawed set of vocals during the track really make the human-inorganic dynamic something interesting.

“Fantastic Success” pushes on the slyness created by “Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me” era of The Cure, with both the shy vocals and guitars during this track building into a crescendo that most closely approximates an orgasm. “Libra Science” is perhaps the most interesting track that Measles Mumps Rubella places on their “Fantastic Success” because it uses a non-traditional set of vocals to further the track when the song moves away from the structured style it began with. This break-down does more than show that Measles Mumps Rubella doesn’t care about time signature and acceptable; it shows the band as possessing a talent that even holds up through the most experimentative tracks.

Through tracks like “Libra Science” and “Hollow Bodies”, Measles Mumps Rubella put the drums at the fore. The drums, typically relegated to timekeeping duties are in many aspects the focal point of the track even beating out the very distinctive guitars. The echoing vocals present during “Hollow Bodies” seem to bring Measles Mumps Rubella ever so closer to the goth rock of bands like Bauhaus; there is still an energy present (aided by the presence of horns) that allows for people in this era to latch onto the band as if they have been hooked. This album has the precarious position of clocking in at less than a half-hour; either this is an abnormally full EP or a very short LP. Still, in either case Measles Mumps Rubella come forth with a deep, full recording that should give anyone listening in a good idea of who the band is and what they stand for. Without a blemish on this disc, this very distinct recording might put off some more “pop” music listeners. For those willing to go a little farther out on a branch, Measles Mumps Rubella should be the band to pick up for this early part of 2006. Give it a go!

Top Track: Mythstery of Zygo

Rating: 7.2/10

[JMcQ]