The Noisettes advise listeners to “Scratch your name into the fabric of this world before you go.” And these musical doctors also apply their own prescription because “What The Time Mr. Wolf? will leave an indelible impression on you.
Although this band decisively makes its mark, it is difficult to easily categorize the group’s peculiar musical indentation. “Don’t Give Up” contains traces of rockabilly, while “Scratch Your Name” has a disjointed progressive rock undertow. “Sister Rosetta (Capture The Spirit)” wildly alternates between swinging rock, and aggressive punk.
Vocalist Shingai Shoniwa, a jazzier/funkier Karen O, is Noisettes’ most striking auditory feature. She is loud and reckless most of the time, although “Hierarchy,” which floats on subdued guitar, bass and drums, shows considerable vocal restraint.
In addition to musical unpredictability, Noisettes can nevertheless be particularly vague lyrically. Although the encouraging one-two punch of “Don’t Give Up” and “Scratch Your Name” leave no doubt what they’re about, a few others on the CD are up for interpretation. Is “Sister Rosetta (Capture The Spirit)” about, perhaps, Sister Rosetta Thorpe? Is “The Count Of Monte Christo” historical in nature? And what the heck is “Bridge To Canada” all about?
The one essential quality What’s The Time Mr. Wolf? lacks most is warmth. Whereas Yeah Yeah Yeahs melted your heart with “Maps,” nothing on this disc comes close to producing such a warming affect. And unfortunately, music without feeling oftentimes amounts to noise – which makes the name Noisettes all too ironically fitting. It’s as though the group cannot figure out what to do with all it’s pent-up energy, so it just lets it all out in loud, extended bursts. If only Noisettes could be a little more contemplative; then, perhaps, these lyrical ideas might come across clearer and have more lasting value.
There’s a big difference between scratching and etching. Scratching is a spontaneous dig into something, many times to do damage, while etchings are intentional grooves with artistic purposes. For now, Noisettes are barely scratching the surface. But don’t be surprised if this talented group doesn’t also have a few beautiful etchings looming in its future.
Although this band decisively makes its mark, it is difficult to easily categorize the group’s peculiar musical indentation. “Don’t Give Up” contains traces of rockabilly, while “Scratch Your Name” has a disjointed progressive rock undertow. “Sister Rosetta (Capture The Spirit)” wildly alternates between swinging rock, and aggressive punk. 
