Release Title - Doot-Doot
Artist - Freur
Release Date - 1983
Track Listing - 1) Doot-Doot
2) Runaway
3) Riders In The Night
4) Theme From The Film Of The Same Name
5) Tender Surrender
6) Matters Of The Heart
7) My Room
8) Whispering
9) Steam Machine
10) All Too Much
Lineup - Karl Hyde (Vocals and guitars)
Rick Smith (Keyboards and broomstick)
Alfie Thomas (Keyboards and bass)
Bryn Burrows (Drums)
John Warwicker (Keyboards)
Review - Without a doubt, one of my personal favorites. Freur's 'Doot-Doot' is one of those gems that didn't get much recognition back in 1983, but is well known as a classic today (at least by those with any knowledge of new wave). The band's first album is an essential nosedive into dreamy new romanticism backed up with heavy keyboard presence. A lot of the sounds are synthesized, but the guitars are beautiful when they do show up, such as in the title track. 'Doot Doot' is the best song on the album and it's one I would put right up in my top ten new wave tracks of all time. It's simply a masterpiece that treats us to a penny whistle synth effect that I love and also (as demonstrated in the music video), a strange broomstick instrument played by Rick Smith. He dramatically breaks it against the stage toward the end and almost falls over, but this is all part of the Freur package. It's a mysterious sound that the band weaves around its audience with the fast-paced, haunting 'Riders In The Night' and the almost jazzy 'Theme From The Film Of The Same Name'. Another track that gets a lot of recognition is 'All Too Much', which surprises you with a hard vocal change during the chorus. When you really listen to some of the sounds produced on this great album, and remember that it was crafted all the way back in 1983, you can appreciate how technically advanced the band were for their time and it's unbelievable they never had a solid hit, although 'Doot Doot' appeared in a couple of movies. Prince stole the idea of using a symbol for his name from these guys, so they definitely deserve some of his riches.It wasn't all bad news however, as after Freur disbanded, Karl Hyde and Rick Smith went on to form the very successful electronic outfit, Underworld.
A later re-issue of the album would include a B-side from the period called 'Hold Me Mother', which is a nice, experimental look into how crazy the band could be with their electronics. Other B-sides from the album's singles, 'You're A Hoover' and 'Innocence' were great as well. All in all, a fantastic album that is great for repeat listens. I highly recommend this lost treasure as well as the dance mix of 'Doot Doot' released by Handle With Care, which makes for a nice trance anthem.
Best Track - Doot Doot
What's Good? - Excellent sounds with a rich variation in tempo and beautiful vocal treatment to accompany sensational lyrics.
What's Bad? - The second half isn't quite as good as the first half and the fact that the album ends is tragic.
Where Would It Fit? - This album is great for anyone driving at night and I mean the dead of a hot, summer night, when nothing stirs outside the car windows, among the shadows of trees.
Rating - 9.4/10
