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Review: Teengirl Fantasy - Motif [Single]

R&S Records // "It's elevator music; music that you listen to when you've been put on hold by Student Finance."

by AEaston, June 25th, 2012 and has been Read 851 times.
Last Edited by: Ffion Davies June 25th, 2012.

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"Influenced by classic house and techno" is something I never like hearing about a new artist. Not that I don't like that kind of music, but you can already guess what the music will be like. It's predictable. Which is why I tend to stay away. The other thing I don't like about modern dance music (I say dance, in a generalising way, instead of listing all the sub-genres for all of you who go "OMGZ IT'S NOT DANCE"), is that it's not really music, but making sounds from a computer - is it fair to call them musicians? Maybe. But then I came across Teengirl Fantasy; as I said at the start, influenced by classic house and techno, but "with the spirit of DIY punk". Not to say that they sing about anarchy and try and fuck things up for everyone, but they do it all themselves, using old analogue machines to create their music.

So, you can listen in the video below, to the new single by Teengirl Fantasy after the success of their debut album 7AM. This is 'Motif'.

LISTEN // 'Motif'

Let's start off with the good bits. It's all very atmospheric, isn't it? Those space-age, alien sounds that make dance music all very futuristic, all part of it's irresistible charm. It's a seven minute long track, yet Teengirl Fantasy don't make it all the same for those 320 seconds. It at least has some variation, and different tempos, which is where I think a lot of dance music falls down at.

Ultimately, however, whilst it's not typical dance music, it's not exactly a work of genius either. I wouldn't say it's technically astounding. And, unfortunately, I wouldn't say it's catchy either. It's elevator music; music that you listen to when you've been put on hold by Student Finance. I hate to say it, but I was bored by the music - it holds no hook, there is no memorable part of the seven minute long 'Motif'. It's actually quite a shame, because I rather like Teengirl Fantasy, I think they could be something good one day. But not with 'Motif'. It was mundane, it was dull, and it was lifeless. I can't even really see it being played in clubs, it just isn't quite right.



So, you see, not all dance music is the same. But, you may also see, not all dance music is good. Perhaps Teengirl Fantasy can label 'Motif' as a 'learning curve'. At least, I think they should.