The Ting Tings - Hands (Sony)

Anthony Cody | Tuesday, 26 October 2010

The Ting Tings are competing well for the title Least Cool Band in the World. Coldplay might give them a run for their money, but they don't really count. 'That's Not My Name' must be a contender for Most Annoying Song of All Time and new track 'Hands' provokes the same response; the response of 'Is that it?'

From the first line of 'Hands':"I don't wanna go out/I wanna stay in", spoken in a cold deadpan voice, it is clear that no ground is going to be broken with this single.

Everything about 'Hands' is generic except the abysmal lyrics; "Where are you supposed to go with two hands" is a question surely no one has ever asked anyone. Please keep to the literal lyrics guys. The Ting Tings have never been lyrical geniuses, anyone remember "You keep playing me like a fruit machine" or for that matter, "That's not my name", the most irritating refrain known to man.

To say that this single is over-produced (and mixed by Calvin Harris incidentally) is an understatement. When The Ting Tings first bulldozed their way into the music scene in 2008 their charm and appeal were derived from their scuzz-pop demos. With that gone their videos and live shows feel hollow and robotic.

It is difficult to feel any connection with the two of them. They seem cold and distant. 'Hands' will have commercial appeal and will appear in TV commercials frequently. And yes, The Ting Tings will continue to be the least cool band in the world for a few more years to come.

Rating: 2/5