The Narcoleptic Dancers - Rastakraut (Single Review)
Monday, 22 August 2011
Written by Emma Newlyn
An interesting back-story can prove to be a powerful tool for an artist when dealing with journalists or in interviews. It’s fortunate then, that French-Dutch, half-brother and sister offspring of famous footballer Johnny Van Kappers have just that. Meeting for the first time at their father’s funeral, the duo discovered their mutual passion for music, and began writing together under the name ‘The Narcoleptic Dancers’ in homage to their father.
After the release of their debut EP ‘Not Evident’ last November (2010) the leading track gained recognition for its catchy, quirky and gentle nature. The Narcoleptic dancers have emerged at the perfect time; at the height of folk pop popularity – with bands like Mumford and Sons and Noah and the Whale paving the way for other aspiring folk/rock/pop artists, the duo have been welcomed with open arms.
Think of the type of song that might feature on an iPod advert, and you’re along the right track to what The Narcoleptic Dancers are producing. Their ultra cute folk pop wouldn’t sound at all out of place on adverts for baby products either, and in fact they’ve already signed a sync deal to have their song ‘Rastakraut’ on a French Internet advertisement for Nett Tampons. Nice!
Apart from seemingly being completely unrelated to the song it’s self, the title ‘Rastakraut’ is part of the title to German electronic duo Moebius and Plank’s first album ‘Rastakraut Pasta’. While claiming to be influenced by Joanna Newsom, Radiohead, Kate Nash, the B52’s and The Breeders, it’s likely that The Narcoleptic Dancers have taken inspiration from Moebius and Plank’s similarly minimal, electronic and repetitive sound.
The single ‘Rastakraut’ its self doesn’t especially take the listener anywhere and the lyrics are extremely repetitive, however it doesn’t seem as though The Narcoleptic Dancers are trying to do anything else other than make cute, catchy, summery little songs – and they do that very well. Although the French-Dutch accent can prove to be a little annoying at times, trust me – it wouldn’t take much to even have your dad singing along to the lyrics “I’m just doing my girl thing” in a bad French accent.
In the short time they’ve known each other, Melody Van Kappers and Anton Louis Jr. have created snippets of uncomplicated, breezy and happy songs. For 2 minutes 33 seconds, this could be the perfect song to make those last few weeks of Summer seem extra summery!
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The single ‘Rastakraut’ its self doesn’t especially take the listener anywhere and the lyrics are extremely repetitive, however it doesn’t seem as though The Narcoleptic Dancers are trying to do anything else other than make cute, catchy, summery little songs – and they do that very well. Although the French-Dutch accent can prove to be a little annoying at times, trust me – it wouldn’t take much to even have your dad singing along to the lyrics “I’m just doing my girl thing” in a bad French accent.
