Like andrew bird, Rob Jones of The Voluntary Butler Scheme is a one man show: he lays the rhythm, the guitars, the piano, the vocals and even occasional kazoo. The similarity, however, stops there, as The Voluntary Butler Scheme pumps pure, foot-tapping, candy-coated, jackson five indie pop through your speakers, a la Apples in the Stereo. Candy, however, is not all he has up his sleeves. Jones’ multi-genre pop songs might just hook you instantly.
There are a few blues/funk/soul touches throughout the album, ‘Multiplayer’ gets all raunchy and funky in it’s last third, early rock n roll guitar appears in ‘The Eiffel Tower And The BT Tower’, Jones peals out blue-eyed soul vocals across many songs – line of best fit
I’m reminded by lots of different bands and music when I listen to this album, although nothing sounds like this. It’s roots are definitely in melodic indie pop, but the album is also full of classic Motown soul elements and 60s pop harmonies, as well as modern studio tricks and electronics. There are so many crazy sounds and fun elements here that bands who are afraid of their reputation or fear what others think of them, would never have dared to make something like this. It’s not perfect, no, no, no, but I guess a perfect album wouldn’t be right for The Voluntary Butler Scheme – ear drums music
Watch the video below for the obvious Jackson Five comparison!