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The Mint Chicks – Crazy? Yes! Dumb? No! (Flying Nun)

Seems crazy to call a 21st century band “post-punk”, but this Auckland band fits the bill pretty well.

The Mint Chicks have really cemented a scene around their energetic live performances, and it’s a nice surprise to hear an album that’s more angular pop than punk by numbers. You could say that they sound like the Swingers, Devo and XTC rolled into one.

There are at least four instant classics here. “Welcome To Nowhere” recalls the psychedelic swirls of late-early (rather than just late) period XTC, and quickly hangs its verses on the lyric “I would like to spend some time in isolation with you” before busting out into a swirling and concise chorus.

“This Is Your Last Chance To Be Famous My Love” has the minimalism, jerkiness and syncopation of Devo (think “Gates of Steel”). And “Walking Off A Cliff Again” has the chukkachukka guitars of The Swingers’ classic “Counting The Beat”. Come to think of it, lead singer Kody Nielson doesn’t half do a good nervous style of singing here, just like Mr. Judd used to.

But wait, there’s more: Songs like “Real Friends” and “Sleeping Through The Day” have irresistable pop hooks. Then there’s the glam rock balladry of the title track, “Crazy? Yes! Dumb? No!”, a low-key number that has the same effect as a chant, sticking in the brain for days afterward. If it wasn’t so laidback, it could be The Mint Chicks’ own “We Will Rock You”.

The Mint Chicks have put more melody, groove, and durability into these songs, without sacrificing their edgy performance. Crazy? Maybe. Dumb? Nah, it’s a winner.