Proof of Youth
by The Go! Team

Album details

US: 11 September 2007 on Sub Pop
UK: 10 September 2007 on Memphis Industries

The Brighton, England, sample-heavy band’s second album includes guest appearances by Solex, Public Enemy’s Chuck D and Bonde do Role’s Marina Ribatski, as well as–and we are not making this up–a professional jump rope troupe and some high school cheerleaders. There’s also more live instrumentation than on the group’s debut.

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The critical consensus

Observer Music Monthly is among the biggest fans of The Go! Team’s sophomore effort, indicating that "what lends Proof of Youth a whiff of genius is its ability to evoke exuberant innocence without making your teeth ache." PopMatters claims that "it’s hard to pick a favorite track from the album" because "it simply all works." Chart Attack even feels that it is "far more complex and catchy" than the Go! Team’s debut, while Alternative Press adds that it "is densely packed enough to make Phil Spector’s Wall feel like a screen door." Treble indicates that "though there may be few stylistic surprises on Proof of Youth, each song is executed brilliantly," and MusicOMH calls it "an addictive, memorable second album" and Slant praises the band’s "attention to detail." While Drowned In Sound acknowledges that The Go! Team "isn’t for everybody," it definitely enjoys the new album: "Proof of Youth is like a second helping of ice cream: just as tasty as the first!"

Of course, not every critic feels that the world needs two full albums of such happy, exuberant music. Hot Press’ Hannah Hamilton (who liked the debut) seems to be suffering a bit from Go! Team burnout: "Maybe it’s my ears that have changed, or become too familiar with what they’re trying to achieve – but, whatever the cause, right now there’s nothing here to make me instantly love this record." The Independent complains about the messy arrangements, while BBC Collective agrees that they lack "depth and finesse," although the songs themselves are strong. Now Magazine and Pitchfork are among several critics to indicate that Proof Of Youth smacks of formula, although The Stranger does hear differences from the first record: "Taut production distinguishes Proof of Youth from earlier Go! Team material, giving the album a more focused, forward velocity than the breezier, swinging Thunder, Lightning, Strike." The Chicago Tribune’s Greg Kot isn’t fond of the band’s lo-fi production choices, and says, "Without stronger songs, two albums based on charm are one too many." And Uncut adds that "when a band boasts such a unique sonic palette, ‘more of the same’ surely ranks as a compliment."

It may be exactly what fans have been waiting for, but you have to wonder how long the band can keep using the same templates.

- Sarah Liss, Now Magazine

Review roundup

Tracklisting and media

1. Grip Like a Vice
   
   
2. Doing It Right
   
   
3. My World
4. Titanic Vandalism
5. Fake ID
6. Universal Speech
7. Keys to the City
8. The Wrath of Marcie
9. I Never Needed It Now So Much
10. Flashlight Fight
11. Patricia’s Moving Picture

Also on the web

• Official Artist Site
• The Go! Team @ Sub Pop
• The Go! Team @ MySpace