Manchester indie-rock duo, the Ting Tings unleash formidable disco/funk grooves on their third LP, Super Critical.
The recording’s producer, Andy Taylor (Duran Duran), is no stranger to the pop/rock/disco hybrid and he helps the Tings release their inner Diana Ross in her I Feel Love über disco period.
The duo’s (Katie White, vocals, guitar and Jules DeMartino, drums, everything else) energized take on disco/funk has emphasis on late ‘70s NYC hedonism. The Ting Tings keep the sound robust – punchy scratch riffs and unadorned drumming.
The disco/funk attack gets away from the group when they layer on excessive effects on Daughter, ruining a good groove. They find their stride on Do It Again, a song that could rule the night life of Studio 54, were it still in existence.
Like Daft Punk, the Ting Tings have found a tap on creativity within the groove of ‘70s dance beats and in the fine line between club music and early funk. Failure is a study on AM radio disco trash, while Green Poison is an ultra catchy riff fest of late-night dance floor funk.
In a few places, Super Critical sounds a bit studied as if the duo indulged in some period piece homework. But when they lay on their trademark brash rhythmic pulse on tracks like Only Love and Wrong Club, it’s apparent that the super charged disco sheen is a user friendly sound for the Ting Tings.
Super Critical is a sharply focussed and well realized record full of tight groove songs.
– Dean Gordon-Smith is a Vernon-based musician who reviews new releases for The Morning Star.
