MiamiNights - Miami Night Clubs, Nightlife

I am serious when I say that this is no joke.

For my next review, I have decided to go with another sophomore effort. It’s no joke that this year has had some sort of alignment of the stars which is forcing bands to record and wrap up their second albums. Some have brought a completely new direction, others have just kept up what they believe will score more hits, and most have re-invented themselves to the likes of let’s say good old’ Madge herself. Proof of Youth seems to be more of a straight to DVD sequel to the bands debut rather than a kick ass boundary pusher. That’s not to say The Go! Team as a whole is not already pushing boundaries, who else can lead a band which was crafted together in their leaders parent’s kitchen into international success?

I do not want to come across on this review as not fully supporting the albums effort. To be quite honest I did enjoy it, I just wasn’t 100% in love with some sequels, this album being one of those. Thunder, Lightning, Strike was filled with inventive ways to put together samples and loops of sounds we all have some sort of childhood memory too while also mixing live instrumentation. Not to mention that the album was a complete remix friendly masterpiece. One thing apparent on this album is the enlisted help of some new and old legends. The only problem with this is, their big band antics drown out some of this enlisted help. With backing vocals from Bonde Do Role’s Marina Ribtaski and Solex, Double Dutch Divas, and the Rapper’s Delight Club Kids you would think the band would focus on their direct contribution to the record. This is just not the case. Although, on Flashlight Fight it is much noted they also enlisted the help of hip-hop veteran Mr. Chuck D. Fake ID the only song on the album which is fresh stuff, not one sample was used yet the track is absolute genius. It’s got that California bleached bimbo feel to it. Well after a few hits of LSD and a night of Frankie Avalon movie sessions. Now I know using samples is a part of the band’s whole niche, but this track makes me realize just how much they could really create all on their own.

The albums lead single Grip Like A Vice is a very strong way to open the album. It encompasses the various genres The Go! Team is notorious for using. Titanic Vandalism and The Wrath of Marcie are a few of the diamonds in the rough on the record. Cuts like these two prove that The Go! Team’s member and freestyle vocalist Ninja is as essential to their success as the copyrights to the samples they use. All in all, the record closes in at a precise 36 minutes and 26 seconds. For hardcore fans this can only mean we can see a handful of “deleted scenes” on some type of bonus disc. For other fans this is can be a sigh of relief that the “ending credits” are rolling up the screen. Thankfully, the album sure does sound as if it will play itself enthusiastically on the big stage. If there was any “proof of youthfulness” on this record, it only goes to show that lightning can strike twice. Generally speaking, only the first strike is usually the brightest. Now, do you see just how optimistic I can be?

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