12 Tribe Records

Mike Rimmer | Cross Rhythms Music

" The buzz surround [dweeb] has been building since the release of their two EPs and finally they have delivered a debut album and it is one of the most anticipated releases of the year. So have they delivered? You bet! Everything about this album captures the imagination. There is no doubt that [dweeb] are one of the most inventive and creative bands on the scene and easily hold their own against the new crop of mainstream bands. Musically tight, they have produced a debut that matches quirky songs with thoughtful, clever lyrics that reveal their depth the more you listen to the songs. There's plenty here to surprise the listener and while the band flex their powerful musical muscles, they manage to create enough hooks to snatch the attention of the fresh listener whilst there's enough depth to keep everybody interested. That's no mean feat for a debut album. I've been listening to the album for a couple of weeks now and I can tell you that as I write, the songs that are captivating me completely are the hooky debut single "Beginning Is Only The Beginning" with its "woah oh woah oh" chant! Totally infectious! "Mediocrity Schmediocrity" is a killer opener with its heartcry to live a life that makes a difference. "Identity Is Not A State Of Mind" captures the band's trick of taking unusual musical directions mid-song when they break down and then pumping everything up with an impressive intensity. "51" takes as its inspiration Psalm 51 but don't anticipate that this will be a nice worshipful ballad, instead you get a groove-driven cry from the heart. It reminds me that [dweeb] do intensity very well! Listening to the band's pumping heart of Matt Donald's funky bass and Dave Ashworth's solid drumming, so much of the album is driven by their stalwart work. This is rock but with a funky heart and a touch of jazz from Badgerman's guitar to keep things interesting and give a different twist to the edgy powerful rock sounds that he's producing. This is not rock music that bludgeons you into surrender, instead amidst the huge noise they create, there is plenty of subtle nuances that make things more than interesting. This is highlighted by the brilliant "Donald To The Funk". Rather aptly, the band's underlying funkiness is pushed to the fore. Tim Alford's lyrics and singing have both taken a huge leap with this new set of songs and it seems that Badgerman's guitar work has made similar leaps too. The combination has never sounded better than on the excellent ferocious "What It Is To Breathe" which is the perfect summary of what [dweeb] stands for spiritually and musically. Ultimately 'It Came From Outer Space' stands as one of the year's best releases and with sci fi B movie artwork and the band's unique sense of humour, everything about this will catch attention. There will be some who will disagree with me because they don't like the quirkiness of some of this. But this is brill and guys, we're taking you seriously now! "

" Brush the dust out of your ipod and get yourself some new headphones. Prepare yourself for some pure self-indulgence because [dweeb] have recorded their first full length album. And it's a cracker. 13 tracks long - half rock, a bit of jazz and some funk, a percentage of pop punk and a spoonful of 80's electro throwback, there has to be something for everyone on this intricate album. Mediocrity Schmediocrity,  Identity is Not a State of Mind, What it is to Breathe, 51 and [dweeb]'s first single, Beginning is only the Beginning are, for me, the tracks that stand out. Bursting with energy, I found myself jumping up and down, playing the air guitar and even the air drums! Prisoner is perhaps best enjoyed with a cup of coffee, of course only the finest freshly ground beans would suffice for this one. This album is comparable to visiting the best tapas restaurant in town and having a taste of everything on the menu. The difference is not feeling sick afterwards. [dweeb] have done well getting their message across through this album - and it is particularly strong in Donald To The Funk. Their sense of humour is definitely apparent and I'd love to know what the prelude is played forward instead of backwards! This album makes a refreshing change and I hope this band reach a lot of people. "

" With debut album It Came From Outer Space, Coventry's Dweeb are undoubtedly here to make an impression. As the turbo-charged introduction to opener 'Mediocrity Schmediocrity' goes squarely for the jugular, you can't help but think of it not so much as a song title but a mission statement. Jarring and discordant, it's a punk-flavoured track that's both effortlessly commercial and strikingly innovative. Love it or hate it, mediocre it isn't.The unashamed pop of 'The Beginning Is Only The Beginning' pushes the envelope still further, while 'Identity is Not A State of Mind' is an interesting mix of styles, with saccharine harmonies at odds with the razor-edged guitar work. 'A38' drops the pace a little, but it only shows that Dweeb can deliver a killer ballad or two as well.'Donald To The Funk' provides an unlikely highlight, it's slow burning ingenuity a good example of the unpredictability that makes this record so exciting. 'Through The Smoke' rounds things off in spectacular fashion, and it's obvious that not only do Dweeb possess the ability to constantly surprise you, but they've got the consistency to back it up.It Came From Outer Space is a bold and exciting record that's guaranteed to divide opinion. However, regardless of your opinion of the music here, there's no denying that Dweeb's willingness to take gambles will serve them well in the future. If this falls on the right ears, they'll be playing with the high-rollers in no time. "

" [dweeb] came to my attention because of their fanatical fans and their appearance on "Singing with the Enemy" alongside the sleaze punk band, Paparazzi Whore, on BBC3. The producers must have thought they were setting up the christians to be eaten by the lions. Unfortunately, no-one had told the lads from dweeb this fact !!! Tim Alford stood up for his biblical beliefs in a firm, but friendly way, and refused to get drawn into any pointless arguments. Respect is due. They had previously released two EP's which were noted for their quirky humour. The cover of "It Came From Outer Space" looks like a still from a B-movie where War of the Worlds meets Godzilla. However, it sees them get a bit more serious about the quality of their music and lyrics. They sound like The Automatic meets Biffy Cyclo. This is a CD who those who like indie rock which is unique and off-kilter. There is nothing half-hearted about the songs. Even the ballads are of earth-swallowing proportions. They rock out on "51" (which is based on Psalm 51) with left-handed indie-rock explosions. My personal favourite is "A38" with the chorus "only one road leads to Rome" and the intelligent lyrics "credit cards and pin numbers" in "Donald to the Funk". The songs are scratchily frantic with drone harmonies that may not suit everyone. But, if you are willing to put in some effort and give the album several listens, it starts to grow on you. Tim, Matt, Dave and Badgerman have really made a superb effort to make a top quality art-rock album. "