When someone is struggling to describe what an album sounds like, that can be a positive sign. It indicates that the artist is taking some chances and is doing something interesting rather than something generic. And
Romborama,
the Bloody Beetroots' first full-length album (after providing some EPs), is one of those discs that isn't easy to pin down stylistically. The music is club-oriented electronica with a rock attitude -- that much is clear -- but describing the CD that way isn't saying a lot because there are so many different types of electronica and so many different types of rock. So where exactly does
Romborama fit in? At the risk of oversimplifying things, this 78-minute CD should probably be described this way: techno and house (acid house more than deep house) with elements of hip-hop, punk, industrial rock, and noise rock. It isn't as though
the Bloody Beetroots are giving listeners an album of
Sex Pistols or
Ramones covers -- that isn't the scenario at all -- but the Italian outfit projects a very punk image and brings a decidedly punk attitude to this 2009 release. And they don't do it in a predictable or formulaic way.
Romborama is diverse, ranging from the abrasive ("Butter," "Theolonius [King Voodoo]") to the goofy ("I Love the Bloody Beetroots," "Little Stars") to the moody ("Have Mercy on Us," "Make Me Blank"). But as far-reaching as
Romborama is,
the Bloody Beetroots never sound confused; head honcho Bob Rito and his colleagues have managed to give listeners an album that moves in many different directions yet sounds consistently focused, which is impressive when you consider that the CD lasts 78 minutes.
Romborama may not appeal to those who don't have eclectic tastes, but it's definitely a fun, intriguing listen if one appreciates a variety of electronica and rock. ~ Alex Henderson