REVIEW: The Go! Team’s “Semicircle”

This record has an extra layer of inspiration: the idea of a rogue marching band, and the Detroit Youth Choir.

The Go! Team, Semicircle (Memphis Industries)

Brighton’s Ian Parton & co. are back with the fifth Go! Team album, and while the formula of schoolyard pop, hip hop beats and dabs of world-music flair remains constant, this record has an extra layer of inspiration: the idea of a rogue marching band, and the inclusion of the Detroit Youth Choir. The choir complements the youthful tones of lead vocalist Angela “Maki” Won-Yin Mak, with female rapper Ninja bringing the sass to accompany the brass. Fans of the band’s old stuff should be reassured that the good times keep rolling: this is total escapism, and will ring nostalgic for listeners of a certain age (who remember that funky Sesame Street outro from back in the day, haha).

7/10

Trial Track: “She’s Got Guns”