On the British pop scene, at least, coyness about one`s sexual preferences is hopelessly passe these days; some of the trendiest bands are not only gay and proud, they`re singing about it loud and clear.
Although much of the media hype centered around the flamboyant Frankie Goes to Hollywood, another more talented British band, Bronski Beat, was making a name for itself with ”Smalltown Boy.” The song, about a gay young man leaving his home town for the more accepting big city, became a U.K. hit and is the U.S. single release from the group`s debut album, ”Age of Consent.”
Featuring lead singer Jimmy`s keening high-pitched vocals and a percolating, percussive beat, Bronski Beat`s sound is generally danceable and appealing, though ultimately the group`s chief claim to distinction lies in its gay crusader attitude–which will, of course, put off some listeners while it attracts others.
Some retailers, apparently, already have become leery about the band`s inclusion–on the inner sleeve lyric sheet–of country-by-country information on laws regarding the minimum age for lawful homosexual relations between men (”the age of consent”); the info may be dropped from future albums.
