South Wales has proved a fruitful breeding ground for rock bands. Viva Machine (formed from the remains of Ipsofacto) are stepping on the golden road out of the principality seeking to follow the likes of the Lost Prophets in finding success both at home and in the US of A.Undeniably they are setting their stall out to have as good a time as possible and god help anyone who gets in their way. There is a cyber-fictional abandon that permeates the lyrics on this debut, often hiding a greater depth of emotion derived from broken relationships and one night stands. Opener 'Robot Bodyrox' is complete with "Laser Beam eyes and titanium cloak" and sets the tone of the album with a bouncing rhythm and a chorus that demands that they "Never wanna stop." The extra-gallactical theme rears it heads again through 'Supernova' and 'Deathstar Trucker'. The latter of those being about controlling your own destiny...obviously! Its all delivered like a lightning bolt of energy, often utilising effects pedals and keyboards to mimic Space Invader-ish effects. Viva Machine certainly aren't taking themselves too seriously but there is plenty of swagger and the production gives this a polished feel.It all combines beautifully on 'Futuristic Dracula', a ludicrously silly homage to "fangs that shine and things that make no sense". It starts with a single repetitive note that slowly builds to a crescendo of "na na na F-U-T-U-R-I-S-T-I-C D-R-A-C-ULA". Throw in three time changes in quick succession and its bonkers rock that owes a nod in the direction of (whisper it) Terrorvision.Theres nothing complex here, just straight forward, good time, dumbed down rock. You'll either cherish it like your favourite uncles Tommy Cooper impressions or as my missus so eloquently declared, "you might think...its all a bit crap." 60%Viva Machine on MySpace