Reviewed by Mitch Andrews and posted on August 10, 2010

The Sylicons first appeared on the music scene in 2007 with their debut single "Turn On The Radio".  Their style is hard to explain, but put simply they are a mix of Traditional bubblegum dance and Electro House/Hands Up.  Their style can be compared to that of Cartoons (with the cheesy and very comical vocals), The Fireman, and Loco Loco.  In 2009, Sylicons released their first album "Plastic Pop", a vibrant collection of fun and thumping dance tunes.  Here is a review of their album, which is available for purchase on iTunes.

The first track on "Plastic Pop" is "Dear Listeners (intro)", an amusing 36-second introduction to the album by Barby G.  As far as introductions go, this is one of the best I have ever heard, and sums up Sylicons' style perfectly.  Barby G's English isn't the best, and what she says doesn't really make sense, but you'll be too busy thinking how cute it is to notice.  The background music reminds me of something from a cheesy Playstation game, or Sesame Street.  The first song on the album "Sylicons Say" begins with some strumming guitar, and a cheesy voice over by Barby G.  Barby's vocals are comparable to those on the Cartoons albums, and also Stephanie from LazyTown (a children's television show with bubblegum inspired music).  The vocalist Fred also makes his first appearance in this song, and together, him and Barby G sound just like a traditional bubblegum dance act from the 90s.  "Sylicons Say" is a catchy dance number that reminds me of the old song "Simon Says".  There are some interesting synths used in this song, and Sylicons maintains this "clubby" feel throughout the album.

In the next song, "Fred Song (Sex Doll)" we get an idea of how bizarre the Sylicons really are.  Fred Song (Sex Doll) is about the member Fred, who is a sex toy, a lifesize blow up doll: "My boyfriend Fred, he's made of plastic..." ... "I'm the perfect lover".  As the Sylicons state on their official Myspace page, they pride themselves in the fact that their "leading members" are made of plastic (hence, the title Plastic Pop).  The lyrics of Sex Doll are hilarious, and I'm sure this song will be a favourite of people who love sexually suggestive bubblegum dance.  Sex Doll is more "hands up" in style too, and is riddled with catchy hooks including the meaningless "yippie-ei-ee-oh-yuppie-ei-ee-oh" that reminds me of Aqua's Doctor Jones.  The next song on the album, "Turn On The Radio", is Sylicon's best known song and my personal favourite from the album.  The song opens with a funny little voice over by Barby G, who is constantly giggling throughout the album.  This is probably the catchiest song on this record, and has the best production.  Like all of Sylicons songs, "Turn On The Radio" is a tongue in cheek bubblegum dance tune with modern beats.  I really love the instrumental part of this song, as it reminds me of Crispy's "Lover On The Line".

The song "Phone Maniac" reminds me of something Simon & Milo (also known as Prozzäk, who are famous for their song "It's Not Me It's You") would do.  While the beginning part of this song is great, the constant repetition of "Phone maniac!" in the chorus tends to get a bit annoying, and I usually can't listen to the song all the way through.  However, the lyrics are awesome (Bla bla bla!) and it is a really fun concept.  Obviously the Sylicons had a lot of fun recording this album, and it shows in their music.  "Silly Silly Dance" is a simple song with a grunting bass and catchy melody, and an instrumental that is sure to make you groove.  Once again, Sylicons riddle the song with funny lyrics, including more meaningless 'gurgle'.  In "Bill Knows All Animals Noises", the meaningless lyrics "oh-ah-shalalala-bang-bang" sounds like a remix of Cartoons' Witch Doctor.  This is a great bubblegum dance tune about "Bill" who knows all animal noises.  This actually reminds me of something The Wiggles would sing, and is sure to be a favourite with children.

In the next song Barby G worries that she is getting too fat, and so Fred suggests that she "Sweat".  Naturally, this song is riddled with sexual connotations that are sure to make you laugh.  Though it is less memorable than the other songs, "Sweat" is still worth a listen.  The next song "Popstar" sounds very similar to S.O.A.P.'s "Ladidi Ladida".  This song features lead vocals by Fred, and Barby G doesn't feature in it as much as the other tracks, apart from the occasional giggle and comment, as Fred is initially singing it to her.  Also included on this album are two bonus remixes that are included on the singles for Phone Maniac and Turn On The Radio.

Concluding this review, "Sylicons" is a very unexpected artist to pop up in 2009, and the album "Plastic Pop" definitely came as a surprise to me.  Sylicons are best described as traditional bubblegum dance with a modern twist.  Their vocal performances are similar to that of Cartoons - very comical and tongue in cheek, and bubbling with energy and enthusiasm - comparable to the voice acting in television animation.  The song concepts are hilarious, and you'll be sure to find yourself giggling along with Barby G as she says some truly bizarre things.  The best songs in my opinion are "Turn On The Radio", "Fred Song (Sex Doll)", "Sylicons Say", and "Bill Knows All Animal Noises".  Also, the introduction "Dear Listeners", deserves a mention as it is one of the best bubblegum intros that I have heard.  I recommend Sylicons to fans of Cartoons, Loco Loco, and traditional bubblegum.