The Los Angeles glam/garage/new wave quintet forgets the Golden Rule of being a Weird Band: You have to be weird all the time.
When Ima Robot lets its freak flag fly, the band is a joy to behold: “Dynomite” is Devo-influenced synth-pop deluxe and the glammy “Dirty Life” perfectly captures ’80s ennui. Meanwhile, “A is for Action” and “Here Come the Bombs” meld arena-rock guitars with smart-alecky agitpop.
But when Ima Robot forgets the Golden Rule, things get messy. “Alive” and “Scream” are nondescript ’80s pop. “Let’s Talk Turkey” and “Philosophofee” are earthbound garage rock with synthy bells and whistles but quickly forgotten.
This may be the point, but disposable craftsmanship doesn’t inspire repeat listens.
Take away: Rule breakers.
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Edited by Cara DiPasquale (cdipasquale@tribune.com) and Drew Sottardi (dsottardi@tribune.com).
