The band formally known as Torpedo has released their first self-titled disc of pop-punk meets disco-groove musical implosion. The first track on the disc (also released as the first single) perhaps captures the feeling best; its influence is unmistakable and its execution flawless. “Dance in My Blood” held tremendous promise for the rest of the album. Unfortunately, there are few things worse in art than a tease, the promise to deliver something before sputtering on the follow through is a worst offense than just being mediocre and obvious from the get go.



This thing started going off the rails with “Photosynthesis (We’re Losing O2)”, which began promisingly enough with a post-funk synth beat that sort of reminded me a little of early Bran Van 3000. But then I realized that they were building a whole song around this beat and the result was, I hate to say, a little immature; not in terms of the skill involved, but in terms of the appeal. I just felt about ten years too old for this song.



The band captures the disco vibe again with “Who Found Mr. Fabulous?”, which was a marked improvement over the last track and I think better showcases the musical balance that the band seeks. “Mr. Fabulous” proves to be quite the showcase for lead singer TJ Penzone’s limited but effective range as he parrots the vocal stylings of Scissor Sisters front man Jake Shears like he’s doing a Barry Gibb impression.



I though this thing was back on track with “Mr. Fabulous” but whoops, spoke to soon on that one. “Messy” ditches any disco-funk-soul influence save for a little back beat, however they should do po-mo indie rockers proud with both “Messy” and its follow-up “A Night We Like to Fight”. Then in another reversal “Monkey Monkee Men” had me feeling like I needed to do the Neutron Dance. “Time For the Future (Bang Bang)” ramps up the production and goes for big sound, kind of Beta Band-ish, definitely feeding off that post-disco electric vibe. “The Name of the Train is the Hurricane” then invokes a “Rock the Casbah” notion that almost makes you want to sing along to the chorus.



The remaining three tracks continued to require me pursuit of an ever changing sound and style as the band veers in and around its 70s inspired soul to occasional experiment with emo-punk. But no matter how schizo Men Women & Children get, I think that there is certainly an audience for their sound. If the Scissor Sisters’ radio play has you looking for a similar groove, then seek ye this album. For anyone else, I think this is a good party mix; a sort of “what band is this?” conversation starter. Men Women & Children may not be breaking any new ground, or for that matter be terrible coherent in their sound and influences, but I think that there is something here to recommend. Only, please get rid of those creepy animal masks on the album art. I didn’t know Frank the Bunny played synth.



Dance In My Blood

Lighting Strikes Twice In New York

Photosynthesis (We're Losing O2)

Who Found Mister Fabulous?

Messy

At Night We Like To Fight

Monkey Monkee Men

Time For The Future (Bang Bang)

The Name Of The Train Is The Hurricane

¡Celebracion!

Sell Your Money

Vowels