Indie pop and social commentary.
Just this week, the NME has declared Little Man Tate as one of the must see bands at the upcoming Leeds and Reading weekender and their new single 'House Party at Boothys' as their potential anthem. Now, the NME still splits opinion so if that's enough for you, then get yourself rushing down to the shops and pick this track up, but if a second opinion is called for, hang around here a bit longer.
Theres no real differentiation between bands and "the kids" these days is there? The mystery of bands has been replaced by a genuine connection and bon homie between band and crowd and Little Man Tate are a cracking representation of this current phenomenon. Bouncing around to the delight of an illicit party around a mates house, the band seem to be enjoying the song as much as the listener would, and if Boothy was an indie kid, this is the type of track he'd have sound tracking his debauched night.
Lyrically, there may be digs at the scenester kids dancing in uniform and passing out in the bathroom but Little Man Tate do seem to capture the chaotic yet fun situation of a house party and if the Arctic Monkeys captured a social scene in this manner, it would be hailed as a fantastic take on modern city life. Theres no reason why the same appreciation shouldn't be afforded to Little Man Tate.
Musically, its light but joyous and the guitars do buzz around quite cheerily and the drums thump along well. This isn't to criticise the music on show but the appeal of the song is its simplicity and the music fits that need well.
Like any good house party, a drunken sing-along is required at the end (just before the cops or parents turn up) and right on cue, the lairy backing vocals kick in and the best part of the evening has gone with only the cleaning up or explaining to the authorities what the night was all about.
So there you have it, another glowing endorsement for Little Man Tate and their upbeat indie pop so open up a can and join in.