Boom Bip: Sacchrilege

Boom Bip
Sacchrilege
Lex
2007-06-19

Bryan Hollon’s (aka Boom Bip) placeholder between 2005’s acclaimed Blue Eyed in the Red Room and the forthcoming Neon Neon (with Gruff Rhys from Super Furry Animals) is a decided attempt at a straight up party vibe. Titled Sacchrilege — perhaps to beat longtime fans to the punch — the five songs presented here exude an ‘80s aesthetic that borders on ironic, and will throw longtime fans for a bit of loop. No sign of Hollon’s avant hip-hop or clear-eyed electronica are to be found here. Instead, over roughly twenty minutes, we are offered a selection of tracks that are slavishly devoted to ‘80s rhythms and signposts, but that are shockingly deficient of hooks. For all the swirling keyboard lines, vamped energy and punchy roboto percussion, Hollon can’t seem to construct the kind of melody that made even the kitchiest ‘80s pop trifle undeniably hummable. Sacchrilege will hopefully be nothing more than an interesting footnote in Hollon’s career, instead of a turning point.

RATING 4 / 10