Office: A Night at the Ritz

Office: A Night at the Ritz Chicago's Office is the latest band to debut as part of the new wave/ dance-punk resurgence of the past few years, but they're unique enough to stand out from the pack of Interpol/ Killers emulators. One of the smartest choices Office makes for this album is keeping it dancey. Start to finish, each song keeps the tempo up and the energy pulsing, avoiding the moping and melancholy that kill the momentum of many would-be dance-rock bands. The five-piece band is apparently even more energetic live, decked out in muted suits and modest dresses, on a stage full of office supplies, desks and typewriters. It sounds like a cute gimmick, especially since this album shows these guys have the talent to follow up on the stunt. One thing I find interesting is the vocal range of lead singer Scott Masson; this guy takes cues from everyone from the Scissor Sisters to Thom Yorke, and the result is a sound that's really unpredictable and interesting. Office is already being touted as one of 2007's breakout artists, and I cannot say I disagree. -bill Rating: 8.5/10 MP3: Office "The Ritz"