the 31 best of 2008 – 16: Infadels – Universe In Reverse

Well, last year, it was fellow UK band the Kaiser Chiefs that made this list with their blend of punk-pop-indie rock; but this year, the Infadels are the ones that turned out a more fantastic album in the genre. I mention the Kaiser Chiefs here, because there are many songs on the Infadels’ album, Universe in Reversethat really remind me of what I love about the Kaiser Chiefs; with an additional electronic component, that seems to be oh so hip and cool right now. Initially, it was their single, Free Things for Poor People, that brought me to the Infadels, and it was so catchy that I wanted to see if they had anything else worth listening to. Well, I saw the colorful cover of Universe in Reverse,(it’s almost like a Banksy!) and I knew as soon as I saw it, I had to download it; so I did, and low and behold, the whole album is pretty fantastic.

This is one of those “surprise” albums, which I LOVE, because they come at you from complete left field. Having never heard of the Infadels, and then randomly hearing one of their songs, only to fall in love with their record is one of the best things about discovering new music; there are so many talented musicians out there, that it is really difficult to give everyone a listen. Due to their similarities to other favorites of mine like Melee, Silversun Pickups, and the aforementioned Kaiser Chiefs, I knew that I had stumbled upon something great when I heard Universe In Reverse. If you like great rhythmic pop-rock, catchy lyrics, and the occasional ear worm track (I dare you to listen to Chemical Girlfriend and not have it stuck in your head!!!), then this record is for you. The album’s polished punk-pop-indie rock sound truly took me by storm, and I am definitely glad that I found it, because it only took a couple listens for me to rank it amongst my favorites of the year.

You may have never heard of the Infadels before, but trust me on this one, this is a solid album, and it is full of great tracks. They also remind me a lot of fellow chart members the Script, so if you like them, make sure you give this record a spin (or two). I also like how they use the electronic sounds on the album, coupling them with the marching beats of rock and roll; together, they make for some unexpected goodness. For instance, the song Code 1 has a similar electro riff to Robyn’s Cobrastyle; which is highly unexpected, but wholly fantastic. Overall, this whole album was a surprise; both in the way it was discovered, as well as in what it had in store for me once I listened. I’m glad I found it, because it definitely deserves to be on my list this year.

Sparkle Factor:
Standouts: Chemical Girlfriend [audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_829_infadels-chemicalgirlfriend.mp3]
Free Things For Poor People, A Million Pieces, Make Mistakes, Play Blind.