Bands often complain about being pigeonholed, but when your band combines elements of hip-hop, electro, indie-rock, punk, soul, dance and synth-pop, there is no way anyone could pigeonhole you.

Combining these genres is exactly what New York band No Surrender does. In fact, it would be quicker and easier to list the genres the band doesn’t incorporate on the latest release, Medicine Babies.

Spending their fair share of time amongst the New York underground scene, No Surrender have certainly been turning heads. Very rarely do you find a band that is nothing like you’ve heard before. No Surrender is one of those bands.

The genres featured on this album are fused together so well that it is almost impossible to isolate individual styles. It’s this blend of genres, all interwoven into one original style that really stands out on this album.

From first impressions, Medicine Babies has distinctly unusual cover art, but it matches the distinctly unusual sound this band has. The album is infused with a retro 80s vibe, especially on tracks like "Falling Into You" and "You’re a Star".

There is also a definitive hip-hop influence that permeates the album, particularly on tracks like "Give it Up" and "Godda Get It".

Throughout the album, this hip-hop influence is combined with a strong electronic feel. The raps and hip-hop beats give the tracks an edge and infectious rhythm, while the synths and vocals more typical of dance and electro music provide the crucial melody. These are songs that sound equally fitting played by iTunes as they do played by a DJ in a club.

Medicine Babies is a unique album that is a testament to the band’s talent in bringing together so many diverse influences.

Review Score: 8/10