Tweenaged bubble gum electro folk
Alphabet Backwards make a teenaged, lo fi, bubbly pop sound that can't help but be endearing in its own naive innocence, in a similar way that Plain White T's 'Hey There Delilah' both infuriates and tugs at heartstrings. This is music with melodic, folkish vocals over old school styled keyboard whirring and a good helping of well placed acoustic guitar strums to enhance those catchy rhythms.
However, though a fourteen year old in a neon hoodie might feel differently about this record, Alphabet Backwards might sound like cheesy, childish electro-folk with hormonally infused lyrics. True, youthful excitement really comes through the singing, but so do some grating vocal inflections, particularly in 'Rubix Cube', which throws in some equally aggravating girl backing vocals and a couple of lines that don't actually fit the melody. (The words are "said your twisted little heart" sung by the backing, if you feel the need to check.) Pleasant acoustic guitar chords are a redeeming feature. Another redeeming feature is the infectious rhythm and well thought out structure. This reviewer is clutching at straws...
Then 'Polar Bears' can't help but win you over with those clumsy yet lovingly delivered lyrics "if we all threw an ice cube in the sea, could we save the polar bears?" But unfortunately the otherwise pleasing enough melody is ruined by a prominent whirring sound you might hear when certain pieces of electrical equipment go wrong. The choruses of voice on the same track bring to mind a warmly companionate group of young musicians, but then the use of the word "hypocratic" cements the irritatingly pubescent theme of the record - assuming he means "hypocritical" and is not in fact alluding to the Greek Physician in his song about global warming.
The chorus of electro stomper '80?s Pop Video' must have come to the artist in one of those rare moments of geni's and artistic enlightenment with some transcendent lyrics "We go nana na na na" unfortunate to say the least. However if you can get past the jarring mix of roughly hewn vocal and electronic buzzing, these tracks are well mixed and catchy and delivered with energetic zeal. Alphabet Backwards probably will find its place on the scene alongside other naff, tacky pop or electro acts that tweens and teens love so much.