I'm tempted to claim Art Brut are a Marmite band that one either loves or hates but I don't think that's particularly fair; it's probably better to describe them as a band you either love or simply feel you don't 'get'.
Though the band's lyrics have always been poignant, hilarious and instantly relatable to most, it's understandable that people may be initially put off by singer Eddie Argos' vocal style - best described as a brash (yet always well-meaning), one-way conversation being loudly aimed in your direction. However this hasn't stopped the group from amassing an ever-growing fan-base (including several of their peers - We Are Scientists and Frank Black are vocal supporters) and continuing to record great music, and showing that the only thing to 'get' is a band making enjoyable pop music.
May 23rd of this year marks the release their fourth album, Brilliant! Tragic!, and lead single "Lost Weekend" is online now. Instantly noticeable is that Argos is now singing along to the band rather than communicating over them - and his breathy style adds to this traditionally self-deprecating tale about (yet another) a lost love. Though it'd be a shame if Argos was to relinquish his trademark style permanently (and thankfully I doubt that will ever happen), this track showcases a pleasant alternative that works for this particular song.
"Lost Weekend" seems to hint at a more complete Art Brut - a much tighter sounding group than their previous three studio albums, as each instrument seems to complement the rest rather than vying for your attention as they've occasionally been guilty of in the past.
Though they may never be everyone's cup of tea, the song certainly points towards yet another inherently listenable Art Brut record.
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