We Started Nothing

iTunes Review

This British indie pop duo have taken the best elements of contemporary, alternative pop (simplicity, stylish cool, and danceable beats) and shaken and stirred them with the edgy feel of late ‘70’s New York and British post-punk. Jules De Martino plays drums and guitar, and the irrepressible Katie White sings and occasionally bangs on a bass drum or cowbell and plays guitar. Their first single features “Great DJ,” all cool and sassy in a New Young Ponies kind of way, with big dance beats, hiccupy vocals, and shimmering tambourines, while flipside “That’s Not My Name” is even more cheeky and has a kind of M.I.A. flair. “Shut Up and Let Me Go” — used in an iPod commercial and landing the band on the U.S. Billboard charts — features a late ‘70’s, Blondie guitar sound with White’s vocals sounding like a schoolgirl chanting her way through a recess rhyme; tres old school!  White tries her hand at a retro, soulful falsetto ala Beck on title track, and with its stripped down, repetitive, and catchy guitar/drums and chorus, it’s another standout. “Impacilla Carpisung” is nonsensical and fun, a bit of electro-spice in the honey, and “Be The One” has White softening her vocals to sing in a more mainstream pop style. File under “M” for Major Fun!