(SAY BAND NAME IN ROBOT VOICE), PINT SIZED RECORDS
“Musical genius” is not a term to be thrown around lightly, but after being blown away by the natural creative energy in every consecutive release from Noah Michael’s incredible solo project, If I Look Strong; You Look Strong, it seems to be the only fitting description. Michael has performed every instrument featured on previous IILS;YLS releases himself, in songs that range from techy math rock, all the way to noisy, experimental pop-punk. It is only fitting that with his newest release (a record whose title is to be pronounced by saying the band name with a robotic inflection), he takes a total leap from the styles of his previous works with 16 tracks of masterfully crafted electronic music. The songs possess an unbridled energy that you can dance to at a live show while having an incredible unique quality that keeps you captivated while listening home alone.
There are moments on the album that may remind you of the beginning stages of Atari and NES. These warm, familiar tones are often wrapped in a blanket or crunchy synth dissonance that brings the songs a fresh, energetic purpose. In other moments, you will find yourself basking in beautifully elaborate electronic ambience. But, within all these strange sounds is wonderfully dynamic collection of music, intelligently designed by the musical genius himself.
By Taylor Cochrane