“The most unsuccessful duo the UK has never known. We’re in the music business this how it is.”

Are the feisty, defiant words gushed out with spiky, unabashed pride in the opening titled track from the Third album by attitude chicks Sue Denim and Dee Plume. Robots In Disguise continue their Chicks On Speed spirited bemusement and political edge. It is a proud reminder that they have been producing an impact for years that is akin to the now trendy NU-Rave bracket. However, critics are reluctant to give them any credit because of their punk spirit and stoic refusal to fit into any expected mould. The Goth chicks from The Mighty Boosh have expanded upon their frisky electronic base and it is fattened out with retro guitar touches and stomping bass. Sue Denim’s bass has certainly stepped up to give this third album a fresh feel, so much so it’s her gnawing trundle that gives the fuzzy ode to getting out of it ‘Can’t Stop Getting Wasted’, some grizzle and punch.

It is the vocal combination that truly gives Da Robots personality through their spicy cohesion, with Denim’s Gwen Stefani edge being roughed over by Plume’s Siouxsie Sue touch. An almost glam vibe kicks off ‘The Tears’, showing that a great deal of experimentation has been taking place prior to this release. Allowing the vocals to slow down and import a pensive and almost sorrowful mood, accompanying an exposure of lust and aggression. This slow and more pleading stance trickles on through into the agnostic endorsing ‘I Don’t Have A God’;

                                                      “It’s a messed up world”

It certainly is, but it seems to be one in which they fully understand and thrive in. Whilst not being as prevalent this time around, their cyber-thrusting, euro-trash slant makes a guest appearance through ‘I Live In Berlin’ and it will be hugged to death by their grass roots following.  However, it is the pride gushing, self confident streaking finale ‘Don’t Copy Me’ that truly draws out a ‘Love Cats’ flavoured The Cure element, before adding the coup de grace by way of some New Young Pony Club high jinks. Despite the in-joke that they are three years ahead of the rest, with this album the time may just be right.

Dave Adair