The View - Hats Off to the Buskers

Genre rock Publisher 1965 Records External Links Official The View Website Official 1965 Records Website

The View, a four-piece rock band hailing from Dundee, Scotland, are the latest entrants in the never-ending parade of UK buzz bands hoping to hit the big time in the States. Fresh off a string of four straight Top 40 hits on the UK charts, including the #3 smash "Same Jeans," the boys have set their sights on America with the domestic release of their debut album Hats Off to the Buskers. While they may be hoping to join fellow countrymen Snow Patrol with sold-out shows across North America, these guys should consider themselves fortunate if they even reach the minor one "hit" wonder status of a Fratellis or a Kula Shaker.

It certainly won't be for a lack of trying or for the want of a certain smarmy charm, but Americans have become notoriously unforgiving when it comes to accepting the latest overseas exports. Far from the days of the British Invasion and the open arms that welcomed every shaggy-haired foursome with a catchy hit, America barely took the time to shrug their shoulders for the Libertines and, despite loads of hype, the Arctic Monkeys are routinely ignored outside of Anglophile hipster circles. So how do the odds look for these four feisty blokes? Unless "Same Jeans" manages to snag onto the same wave of luck (i.e. iPod commercials) that catapulted The Fratellis' "Flathead" into the public consciousness, they don't look good.

Much like "Flathead" and the Monkeys' "I Bet You Look Good on the Dance Floor" before it, "Same Jeans" is an undeniable burst of energy that drags listeners along with a toe-tapping beat and a disarmingly catchy melody fit for dance floors and open highways alike. It isn't hard to see why it made such an impression with the UK scene-making youth, especially considering the vague and easily adaptable allusions to youthful ennui and disenchantment. It's just too bad that the rest of the album, a few minor exceptions aside, fails to live up to the standard set by that promising single. The View obviously strive to cover the same thematic ground as the Arctic Monkeys, but co-songwriters Kyle Falconer and Kieren Webster lack the wit and keen sense of observation that make head Monkey Alex Turner such an enchanting lyricist. They drop all the right references and cite the right influences, made most obvious during the abysmal Libertines rip-off "Skag Trendy," but none of it resonates.

There are a few other songs worth listening for, including the scene critiquing "Wasted Little DJs" and the misleadingly sweet kiss-off of "Face for the Radio," but very little else to get excited about. Even when the band catches a brief spark of inspiration and latches onto a decent groove or memorable melody, it's hard to shake the feeling that these guys really, really want to be the next Arctic Monkeys. And that's what ultimately sentences Hats Off to the Buskers to the also-ran bargain bin next to the Casts and Sleepers of the world. Remember them? Exactly.

The View - "Wasted Little DJs" Live with Jools Holland