The Ting Tings
Sounds from Nowheresville
(Columbia)

If you were hoping that The Ting Tings’ latest release, Sounds from Nowheresville, would be just as much electronic, loud and fun as their first release, We Started Nothing, be ready to be sorely disappointed. Sounds from Nowheresville is a calmer, stellar electronic album with elements of shoegaze, but without the brash dance elements of the prior release.

“Silence” is perhaps the best example of the overall album. The track is quiet and features low-level, sweetly-sung lyrics and opens up midway to an electronic interlude. However, you won’t be dancing along to the song. Instead, you’ll be swaying. The same is true of “Hit Me Down Sonny.” While the track is a bit faster and features a bell chime, the song still is more chill than loud. With trip hop influences, the track is perfect for those looking for a lounge environment. “One By One” is the most similar to the band’s prior release but still doesn’t capture the same vibe as We Started Nothing. Lyrics like, “We should never listen/Not necessary at all” show that the band hasn’t taken a departure from the fun lyrics they’ve become known for. Instead, the band has slowed things down for a more mature sound.

If you’re looking to see how the band has matured, be sure to pick up this album. However, be ready to judge the album on it’s own merits – not by comparing it to the Ting Tings’ prior release.