The Ladybirds Issue #33

Regional Community Theater (Creep)

By Sonia Pereira Murphy
Published: September 1st, 2007 | 12:00am

When the Ladybirds describe their sound as cheezpop, they’re not joking. However, after listening to Regional Community Theater a number of times, I’m going to disagree with them on one point. Listening to their music isn’t so much like getting hit over the head with an ice cream cone but more like getting run over by the Good Humor truck — and, in this case, that isn’t a good thing. While sugarpop certainly has its place in the glittery halls of Danceteria-esque gems, there is definitely such a thing as glucose overdose.

Opener “Slice our Hands (We Are Blood Sisters)” plunges right into saccharine territory with a goopy onslaught of cheap-sounding, Nintendo-inspired beats. Pair the drum-machine mania with Teeter Sperber’s nasal, little-girl voice and you’ve pretty much got the perfect recipe for a Krispy Kreme-induced migraine.

Standout tracks that veer a bit from the monotony pop up from time to time. A chorus of children sing beautifully on “Andy Lex” and “Cooper, Thanks for the Birds” beats with a more melancholy and pensive heart. “Regional Community Theater” and “Maxim and the Headphone Life” resound with potential but ultimately get lost in the über-cute gimmick of the band’s style.

If you love Bis and Jane Jetson, you just might dig what the Ladybird tweet. Otherwise, you’re best keeping it far from your iPod and tooth enamel.