Bit By Bats Go Go Go by: Mark Simms Mon:16-Apr-07 Label: Shiny Year: 2007 WB rating 45 out of 100

True to its name, Go Go Go never shows signs of letting up – fiercely writhing and pouncing about for the majority of its duration. The music: a fast-paced brew of vigorous hullabaloo, screeching guitar, and the distinctiveness of Owen Eszeki’s voice, a barely controlled yelp which switches tones dangerously. Such a roaring enthusiasm is great. But can it be sustained? Albums that come rocking out of the canisters often tire; falling limply at the finish line, a spent and tired mess.

Title track ‘Go Go Go’ is this shot out of the cylinder, Eszeki’s voice erratically wanders, spontaneous and out of control, the words a blur. The music matches this intensity, wild and fiery, yet tight. ‘Go Go Go’ is a fitting intro, setting the scene for what is to follow; an undomesticated romp; a controlled insurgence of revved up tracks that keep the pulse high.

‘One Six One’ races out just as the first track did: guitar squealing and Eszeki squirming around. Bit By Bats are keen to keep the enthusiasm high and to not take anything too seriously: “Put on your party shoes and your dress so tight/go upstairs and talk to the DJ.” The band shows no signs of tiring, or swaying towards a different direction. While the pouncing enthusiasm is commendable, it is only the second track and already the band are beginning to mimic themselves.

As Go Go Go continues, it becomes more and more difficult to tell each track apart – some sounding so similar you’d be hard pressed to notice a difference. The energy each band member possesses spills over to the entire album. Unfortunately, so do the tracks; the guitar always has the same revved-up distortion, the early unpredictability of Eszeki’s voice eventually sounding familiar and wearing, and the all-out formula far too dominant and repetitive. What started out as lively and promising introduction has turned out to as an album that has climaxed too early, not able to back up its original vigour by expanding or experimenting.

‘Maurie & Marie’, ‘Apartment’, ‘All Night’ and ‘In My Arms’ are four tracks that are barely passable. They contain the right amount of gusto, appealing noise and fiery instrumentation making them catchy, however, when put together on the same album, they actually let each other down – it turns out the one-of-a kind-track that stood out, actually has a few twins. The solution? Cull the like-minded material and shoot for something different; something not so comfortable or similar. Once something has been heard and experienced, it isn’t too enjoyable to relive it over and over again.

‘She Was Venezuela’ is the one track that rejects the all-too-familiar Bit By Bats mould – surprisingly showing that tempo variations are possible and that they are not sorely a one-trick pony. Even now, Bit By Bats have to fight temptation, resisting the desire to build and let loose, to climax too soon. Instead they employ new moves; controlled guitar and agreeable xylophone complimenting Eszeki’s volatile, and strangely alluring voice.

After flailing about for the first couple of tracks, all of what this album has to offer is experienced and the later tracks are simply a non-event. The music is enlivening and passion driven, but this relentless energy gets tired without some contrast. Bit By Bats show some promise on a few of these songs; however, Go Go Go is nothing special.