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Album Review: The Downtown Fiction - Let's Be Animals
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJu0Sno5Z4NcGr4VT6Xv57BXsYrW7tNpKjt7WO4Ps-1ijgcUzG5kKL-w_PNu_hyVKJ07ztlawcWAYAv762r3idzhO277wYfYr3x7jC0_LhTa6l2pA1r23w6irDRUaJggwhLLrwpZTywA/s200/The_Downtown_Fiction-Lets_Be_Animals_3.jpg)
Unfortunately, I would have to blame it on the market's constant desire for no-risk bands, capable of churning out catchy tunes with enough boy-meets-girl-fuelled angst to tickle the fancies of any youngsters who have access to a radio. Any of the tracks on the album could be potential hit-singles, as they all possess a tame, but ultimately effective, hook and don't rock enough to truly alienate anyone.
'Thanks for nothing, kiss my ass' truly defines the type of rebel-lite lyrics available from start to finish, along with the inoffensive instrumentation throughout. There is very little originality to be found among the numerous similar-sounding songs. The Downtown Fiction could be mistaken for Motion City Soundtrack's less witty sister, or maybe All-American Rejects less charismatic twin, But taken as a whole, it can't be denied that 'Let's Be Animals' is a collection of infectiously summery songs, appropriate for anyone's holiday playlist.
On their own though, the songs simply don't stand up very well. Ask me to designate a best song, I'd say the title track without hesitation, but don't expect me to hold this close to heart for very long. The likeliness that a number of teen soaps will be all over these songs like kids in a candy shop will most certainly allow this band to prosper, but here's to hoping they can accomplish something more defining next time around.
2.5/5
'Let's Be Animals' is out now.
James Berclaz-Lewis