The Answering Machine - Cliffer [Single]

Heist Or Hit

To produce a loveable radio friendly indie tune these days there is a formula that can be used that is guaranteed to work. Catchy sing-along chorus, non offensive obscenity free lyrics and a basic uninspired thump-clap drum beat.

Unfortunately the Manchester based 3-piece the Answering machine have taken this fool-proof formula, and have produced something that resembles what would happen if The Pigeon Detectives were to go on a date with The Wombats. Which has to be said is no good thing.

Lyrically The Answering Machine are disappointing with words that seem so light and pointless you have to question whether this is a song they produced on a coffee break as opposed to a full blown effort.

Oh just because I’m on your side/ It doesn’t mean your right

are the type of lyrics you would except a teenage pop band to produce, and not something you would expect from a band who are obviously trying to gain credibility, as they slowly but surely push themselves into the pretentious ‘art-pop’ category. While I really wanted to like the song and you can blatantly hear so much potential in it, the whole thing comes off as lazy and rushed.

The track comes from the bands forthcoming debut album ‘Another City, Another Story’ which will be released later in the year. However if the band continue to produce material such as this, I will not be listening to any more of The Answering Machine anytime soon.