Ima Robot

(Virgin)
by Evan Solochek

Ima Robot offers one of the most genuinely original sounds I’ve heard in a while. They mix elements of art-rock, pop, and New Wave (think David Bowie and Devo) with post-punk energy and infectious electronic beats. Seemingly a recipe for an identity crisis, Ima Robot deftly integrates all influences to make an undeniably great album. The glam-sleaze humor element they exude will surely foster comparisons to Electric Six and the Fever, but that would be an insult to Ima Robot’s musical talents.

Collectively, this band has worked with Beck (Justin Meldal-Johnsen and Joey Waronker spent most of the ’90s supplying Beck’s rhythm), The Mars Volta, REM, Tori Amos, Johnny Cash, The Vines, and Smashing Pumpkins. That level of experience is clearly evident in the album’s tight, cohesive arrangement. I must add that Ima Robot’s frontman, Alex Ebert, sports one of the most amazing mullets I’ve ever seen in my life, which is sure to garner the band at least passing attention. From there, their musical fusion of past and future will surely turn that passing attention to life-long devotion.
(www.imarobot.com)