Imperial Teen’s Feel the Sound

Perhaps my gaydar is defective, but when I saw Imperial Teen open for The Breeders in 2002, I didn’t realize lead singer Roddy Bottum was gay. The name alone should have been a hint.

It wasn’t until I listened to Imperial Teen’s new album, Feel the Sound, that the thought entered my mind. I should have been tipped off years ago by “Lipstick” and “You’re One,” which clearly have gay overtones.

While a member of Faith No More, Bottum penned the song “Be Aggressive,” which is about oral sex, essentially forcing straight lead singer Chuck Mosley to sing “I swallow” repeatedly.

Feel the Sound is a solid album with the band’s usual sugary vocals. Listen to their first single, “Runaway,” below.