Go! Team plays for keeps on ‘Thunder’

Spencer Patterson

Friday, Aug. 26, 2005 | 8:24 a.m.

So far as I know, the six members of the Go! Team are adults, but you'd hardly know it listening to debut full-length "Thunder, Lightning, Strike."

That could be taken as a dig, but I mean it as the highest form of compliment. As in, the disc is such riotous fun, it sounds as if it might have been the work of merry children totally freed from musical pretentions and preconceptions.

"Thunder, Lightning, Strike" -- released overseas by the UK-based band last year but yet to hit U.S. shores -- is a stylistic patchwork, exceedingly derivative yet entirely original in the way it's all joined together.

Many of the album's 11 tracks feel as though they were wrested from a film score. It's impossible not to imagine someone running through an action spectacular during "Junior Kickstart," for example, or to picture a '70s blaxploitation film during "The Power Is On."

Whistles, bells, strings and sirens harmonize with guitars, drums and keyboards to create a swirling commotion. Every second of the all-too-brief 36-minute CD sounds thoroughly considered, however, a tribute to the unique genius of Go! Team leader Ian Parton and his mates.

Female rapper Ninja provides some of the album's consummate moments, illuminating throwback disc-soul workout "Ladyflash" and house party anthem "Bottle Rocket" with her funky vocal delivery.

Penultimate track "Huddle Formation" encapsulates everything the disc is about, blending cheerleader chants with harmonica-driven instrumentals in yet another visually stimulating musical ride.

Due to difficulties securing rights to its multitude of samples, "Thunder, Lightning, Strike" has yet to be cleared for a U.S. release.

Don't let that stand in your way, though. The import version is easy to find online, and a U.S. version is said to be on the way in October. Follow the band's advice and "Go! Go! Go!" in search of the disc. The little kid in you won't be sorry.

Artist: The Go! Team.

Title: "Thunder, Lightning, Strike."

Year of release: 2004 (Memphis Industries).

Tracklisting: "Panther Dash," "Ladyflash," "Feel Good By Numbers," "The Power Is On," "Get it Together," "Junior Kickstart," "Air Raid Gtr," "Bottle Rocket," "Friendship Update," "Huddle Formation," "Everyone's a V.I.P. to Someone."