When I hear the phrase “electric dance rock”, I don’t initially want to throw on my skinny jeans and white Keds, head downtown to a trendy dive bar, and dance my heart out. I need to be convinced it’s going to be worth the trip, so it’s safe to say I can be persuaded. Kansas City rockers Queens Club might just have the sound that will manipulate your auditory sensors just enough to get your toes tapping and fingers snapping. So that being said, this self-proclaimed “electric dance rock” outfit might just be the exception for us “fly-by-night indie rocker weekend warriors” who only take our dance rock in small doses.

For all of you who are tired of digesting that mainstream, over-produced rubbish clouding up the pop rock scene and are seeking a little more depth to your rock library, Queens Club’s new album Young Giant should be right up your alley. Signing to Tooth and Nail might blur the lines of indie rock and mainstream; however, these boys aren’t claiming the genre, they just emulate that “straight-out-of-UK” indie sound.

This four piece have only been together since 2008, and because this is their first release, it will ultimately determine the next step in their career. This album could launch them into the atmosphere or keep them so far underground that they will never see the light of day. Being that it’s such a crowded scene, you might ask what is setting these guys apart from the pack. Well, in my opinion these boys show a lot of potential out of the gates and that speaks volumes in itself. This isn’t their first stab at music seeing as Queens Club is comprised of ex-members of The Chariot, so the musicianship and experience is there. But what about their sound? I will say this album isn’t tearing down any walls in the rock and roll genre but it definitely has a lot of pep and a whole lot of potential so only time will tell.

Queens Club are just a down-home rock and roll band plain and simple; drawing inspiration from the British Invasion of the sixties mixed with that garage band meets mainstream dance rock sound that we all have seen adapting in recent years (Franz Ferdinand, Bloc Party even Muse at times). They have a very bright and pleasant sound infused with just enough rock to make you want to dance around your living room with your iPod.

A stand out song for me was the much slower paced, catchy dance ballad “Dust”. Andrew Nichols’ vocal work is captivating and emotional, and the programming and instrumental work is simple, yet enticing. It’s the band’s only slower ballad, but I definitely like the mellowness and moody atmosphere it offers.

I would normally find Queens Club sound bland and uneventful, but they do what they do really well and very clean. There aren’t many intricate guitar lines and they don’t play around too much with odd rhythms and time signatures, but I wouldn’t think that’s necessary for what they seem to be trying to achieve here. The songs are catchy, inviting and keep momentum throughout, giving the record a nice flow. Queens Club stick to the basics and keep it real simple while still keeping you involved. Fans of indie, dance and garage rock should most definitely spend some time with Young Giant.

3.5/5