There is more than one way to inject a little humor into rock n’ roll. Some do it better than others. Art Brut do it as well as anyone, probably better, but you have to be prepared for the delivery.
Art Brut lacks the obvious schlock of local humorists, Attractive Eighties Women, so if you’re not prepared, you might think they’re serious. That’s what happened to us when we first saw them open for The Hold Steady at the Variety Playhouse a couple of years ago. Missing the joke in all the faux art rock pomposity and lead singer Eddie Argos’ refusal to even try to sing, it all washed over us. It’s British humor so it takes a little nudge, nudge, know what I mean?
Some time passed before we were struck by them again, but through the modern miracle of YouTube we finally got the joke. Watch below, and if you get it too, then join us at the EARL in October. Say no more.
