REVIEW -- Late of the Pier: Fantasy Black Channel

Late of the Pier

Fantasy Black Channel

(Astralwerks)

Last year’s Echoclistel Lambietroy EP introduced this English quartet as noise-loving, racket-making hooligans with 40 years of rock ‘n’ roll history in their arsenal. Late of the Pier’s weapon of choice on their full-length debut is all forms of electronic bash and thrash, but there are plenty of other references here too. Opening instrumental “Hot Tent Blues” rides a fuzzy guitar riff straight outta any ’70s glam-rocker’s playbook. “Space and the Woods” struts like early-’80s new-wave robots. And the all-over-the-place “Focker” cops modern-day indie-rocker style. Fantasy Black Channel’s stuttering synths, 4x4 disco drums, and buried and mostly inessential vocals are signs that these guys are targeting dance floors. The Roxy Music, Prince and Franz Ferdinand nods are signs that they know their place. -- Michael Gallucci