Surprise, surprise: Yet another Top 40 act from Britain struggles for recognition here in the States. That sucks, because all frivolous punctuation aside, Forward, Russia! busts hard dance grooves, while singer Tom Woodhead shreds his throat Blood Brothers-style and guitarist Whiskas slays with intensity comparable to At the Drive-In. The group’s live show will leave you sweaty and dumbstruck. A gymnastic and flexible frontman, Woodhead convulses like a man French-kissing a light socket, and that Whiskas character snaps one string after another, producing an endless squall of noise. Sure, histrionics abound, but if you feel like watching some guy mope around, dump your boyfriend. Otherwise, make your way to this show, and check out some dudes who really move.
This article appears in Dec 7-13, 2006.