DD/MM/YYYY — Are They Masks?

Are They Masks?

We Are Busy Bodies

Shehzaad Jiwani (CHARTattack)

07/17/2007 9:51am

DD/MM/YYYY are trying to confuse you. Every single decision they make is confounding and enigmatic, and just when you think you have them figured out, they stop whatever they're doing just to fuck with you. It would be frustrating if it wasn't so weirdly enjoyable, mathematic yet danceable and, in spite of all their sonic riddles, strangely catchy. Are They Masks? builds on the electro/post-punk of their first album, The Blue Screen Of Death, but instead of random bursts of creativity, DD/MM/YYYY channel their oddness into fully fleshed-out songs. They still switch gears whenever they please, but give you the impression that things are more calculated this time around. At 21 tracks, it's amazing they don't overstay their welcome. And to that end, each song reveals more layers with each listen. If you like music that makes you stare at your stereo and ask, "What the fuck was that?" then Are They Masks? should be the next gem you seek out.