I’m not really sure why I’m reviewing this as it’s about as punk rock as an episode of Neighbours – but it has an adorable charm that I can’t help but like. Rather than pay homage to football wonderkid Wayne Rooney, the teenage brothel visitor’s namesake (ooh, McNae!) band is a far more saccharine sweet and PG-13 version. Famed for appearing on The OC, Rooney sound like McFly would do if they were 10 years older – like Weezer covering Beach Boys classics. There’s a surf pop sound mixed in with some gorgeous melodies and harmonies; it’s like a little dose of summer to brighten up a dull October day.
A lot of Rooney‘s self-titled record is instantly forgettable and predictable fare. It’s the kind of stuff that clutters CD:UK on a weekly basis. But when the choruses kick in, boy oh boy, can these boys really write a hooky song. From the opening ‘Blueside’ to the closing ‘Losing All Control’ are 11 songs that will have you tapping, humming and singing along. It’s like some contagious disease on CD – Rooney have the knack to suck you in and take control of your brain. As I said, there’s a huge dollop of pop and commercial appeal here, but at the same time an edge that will make the band appeal to the indie and alt-rock crowd. And as they sound like Weezer and The Beach Boys, two of my favourite bands, they’re being reviewed here.
‘Stay Away’ almost borrows a Rivers Cuomo vocal, while ‘Popstars’ is a little less chirpy but just as catchy. Then there’s ‘I’m Shakin” which will annoy the fuck out of you for weeks on end, just is its ability to burrow inside your brow and stay put. You will sing along, so don’t even attempt to resist. The chorus is absolutely huge and I’m sure it’s been a huge radio hit in the US. And that sums Rooney up really. It’s cheap, cheerful, and sometimes cheesy, guitar-pop with another quirks to keep a wide audience happy. This will appeal to pop tarts and indie scenesters alike. It’s the kind of record you buy your younger brother for their birthday, only to rip it to your hard drive first.
Released on Geffen
Paul