“With lead vocalist Katie White, U.K. duo the Ting Tings have themselves a cheerleader more than a singer. But no matter, as “We Started Nothing” appropriately opens with a dashing display of dancefloor energy, and White is commandingly charming as she leads a chorus in “Great DJ” that’s little more than vowel sounds. But things get better from there, as the band’s U.K. No. 1 “That’s Not My Name” is a sassy singalong anthem. There’s some Toni Basil in the band’s retro, slinky grooves, but the Tings walk away triumphant, thanks to a last-minute jolt of guitar. The act gets punky on iPod hit “Shut Up and Let Me Go,” and “Keep Your Head” and “Fruit Machine” are filled with brazenly sharp new wave sounds. For an album of sugar highs, there’s certain to be a buzz kill or two (”We Walk”), but there’s plenty of fun to be had here. —Todd Martens”
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