Archive for the 'Folk' Category

• Band / Artist : Daniel Ledwell – mySpace
• Genre : Folk / Pop
• Sample Track Download : N/A
• Buy CD : N/A
• Buy Digital Download : iTunes
• Rating : 9 out of 10

Sometimes I feel like beating my head against a wall, as I occassionaly find new music almost accidentally. In some cases this shouldn’t be so, as I’ve previously reviewed the band Daniel Ledwell is in, In-Flight Safety before on Indie Launchpad, actually back in April of 2006. Although recordingwise, things with the band are quiet, Daniel released this 7 track album in January and it’s an incredible collections of songs. I only found out about Daniel’s solo work, via the CBC Radio 3 New Music Canada podcast, otherwise I fear it may have evaded my radar totally. Although this is advertised as an album, I’m loathe to call it that, as at just a tad over 24 minutes, a little light for an album. The 7 tracks on here though are an just amazing, so I’ll let it slide.

Two Over Seven is “seven songs about the bad, bad things that happen to our hearts”, consequently this is not an album to get you dancing, unless it’s on the prostrate body of someone who’s broken your heart. To call these tracks melancholic, is a bit of an understatement, but there is just an amazing beauty in the sadness and despair. Opening with “Daisy, You Are a Liar”, I was instantly enamoured with both the sad and almost despondent vocals, and the wonderful minimalist accompaniment, which really allows the misery and hurt to bubble away. “Little River Run” is a very similar track, as is “New Flame” and to be frank, I could listen to this kind of sorrow for ages as it’s always a delight when it’s not your own.

“I Have Made You a Mixtape” is the track that brought Daniel to my attention, and it’s just a wonderful example of melancholic pop, signing off with a stunning kick in the teeth. Simply delightful. “Gone for Good” is probably the weakest track on the album, although I think some of that is down to playing in the aftermath of “I Have Made You a Mixtape”. “Writing You Out” bares similar musical traits to “I Have Made You a Mixtape”, both in the melody and delivery, but manages to tell a story all it’s own. Track 7 is the appropriately named “Goodnight Goodnight” and all too quickly it’s over.

I have to admit, this was one of those albums I threw into the CD player at home, and within seconds managed to burst the family happiness bubble. OK, maybe a slight exaggeration, but it’s certainly not the kind of album to get the party started. That being said, once I managed to find some quiet time to listen, I loved every minute of it.

Conclusion : A great album, with the jewel in the crown, appearing dead centre of the album. If you like the melancholic side of music, Leonard Cohen, Morrissey, Black, you’ll love this.

Postscript : When running this review through the spell checker, Daniel’s name obviously was flagged and I hit the change button a couple of times by mistake, before realising. When I looked back, Daniel Ledwell had been changed to “Denial Lethal”, could that be a sign.

• Band / Artist : Sheri Miller – mySpace
• Genre : Folk / Pop
• Sample Track Download : N/A
• Buy CD : CD Baby
• Buy Digital Download : iTunes
• Rating : 8 out of 10

I’ve heard a few of Sheri’s songs on various podcasts, and while I really loved her voice, I can’t say I ever really listened and paid full attention. That being said I did add her to my list of artists to investigate further. Several weeks passed and lo and behold what do I find on my MySpace, but a friend request from Sheri herself. As many Indie Launchpad readers will know, I only add bands and artists that I’ve reviewed to MySpace. Anyway I took this as an omen and decided to hop over to her page, to have a quick listen. It’s amazing the difference in something when you are actually paying attention. I fired off a quick email to Sheri and a week or so later, with CD in hand, I sat down for a proper listen.

“Waste My Breath” begins with some great drumming and then the acoustic guitar kicks in, along with Sheri’s vocals. This is an unusual song, in that it feels sort of folk, rock and pop and rolled into a rather pleasant little bundle. It’s a song for me that starts the EP well, but I sort of sense I’ve heard it all before and I don’t mean on some other podcast. The vocals are very nice, but I only really sense Sheri losing herself in it on the odd occasion. This certainly cannot be said for the following and indeed title track, “Mantra (I’m in Love)”, with it’s wonderful use of the piano, but good though it is, it pales into insignificance when Sheri’s vocals burst through. This isn’t an exhibition in vocal gymnastics, this is raw and tender emotion. Although certainly sounding nothing like Ertha Kitt, I really am reminded of her phrasing and indeed there’s just the odd, flash of her personality that bursts through. I love this track pure and simple. It’s not overly complex, or highly produced, it’s just tight and very well executed.

Though criticism doesn’t come easy, it’s hard for me to mention anything I really like about “Devil in White”. It’s very much like a single that comes from an American Idol winner, like Katherine MacFee, I think her name is. It’s a fairly fast paced track, but just doesn’t have to much life in it. Music and vocals are pleasant enough, but the song has no real heart. “All He Has To Do” however ticks all the right boxes. One huge thing it has in it’s favour is an uncanny resemblance to something Ron Sexsmith would do. Not surprising then when I look at Sheri’s MySpace page and see that she lists Ron Sexsmith as one of her influences. This is just such a wonderful track and I knew it was indeed special when I found my self reach the previous button to play it again.

“Right Here Right Now” also has that Ron Sexsmith vibe to it, but this doesn’t feel as strong. When listening to music, I can often here other people singing the same song in my head and it helps me to make comparisons. Many times, I’m not comparing vocals or music, I’m comparing the poetry if you like, how a song flows and how lines are phrased. The final song on this 6 track EP is “The Blade” which has the ebb and flow feel, indeed the whole EP has that great flow to it, tide coming on with “Waste My Breath” and then going out with “The Blade”.

Conclusion : A great collection of songs, from an enormous talent. I love Sheri’s voice, when it is more laid back and raw, but the more upbeat tracks, provide a nice contrast and result in a very well rounded EP. Great stuff. I’m certainly looking forward to her next release.

• Band / Artist : The Submarines – mySpace
• Genre : Folk / Electronica
• Sample Track Download : N/A
• Buy CD : Amazon
• Buy Digital Download : iTunes
• Rating : 9 out of 10

I reviewed the previous album by The Submarines, back in June 2006 and while I really enjoyed it, it did take me a while to really get into it. When I first heard them, I have to admit. I thought of them as a pale imitation of the Weepies, who also share the same record label, but the more I listened, the more I began to appreciate them for themselves.

Again this new album from the collaboration of Blake Hazard and John Dragonetti features 10 tracks. Where the previous album had that darker tinge, here it’s a much more relaxed and happy affair. The album starts perfectly with “Sub Symphonika”, with it’s very light and upbeat music, fused some very phased and delicate vocals. This track also sounds very familiar. It’s almost like I’ve heard it on a TV commercial. “Thorny Thicket” continues the great mood of the album, and further highlights the great fusion of sounds and vocals. Musically this is a very well produced album, which has a lot going on, but never feels like it’s lost it’s way. I did feel at time though, that the vocals were somewhat overshadowed.

“You Me and the Bourgeoisie” has a very interesting sound, which is at first very reminiscent of The Tutles, “So Happy Together”. Talking of reminiscent, “1940” also has a similar vibe to some of Massive Attack’s work. And that’s one of the things I really love about this album, it’s ability to morph and change and yet still feel tightly woven together. I won’t even mention the Lightening Seeds when talking about “The Wake Up Song” as I’m sure you can see where I’m going with this one, but don’t let that detract you from what is a great collection of songs.

“Swimming Pool” is the track that snuck up on me, while I was listening to the album on the bus. I got off the bus about half way through the song and was just about to reach work, when “Bam” it hit me. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I played this track over and over again and just couldn’t help but smile like an idiot. “Maybe” is another track that just really gelled with me. Unfortunately the same can’t be said for “Xavia” and the oddly named “Fern Beard”, which while both started promisingly enough, just seem to slowly unravel. Sometimes it’s hard to quantify what you like or dislike about songs. These are two examples of that.

And so we come to the final track, “Brightest Hour” which could at first be mistaken for a Christmas track, as it has a very Wintery feel to it, with what almost sound like sleigh bells in the background. It’s a wonderfully soothing track though, and a great way to end an album, that descended on me from out of the blue.

Conclusion : I found this follow up to Declare a New State, much more accessible and brighter. While I really liked the former, I absolutely love this one, save for a couple of tracks that just weren’t to my taste. I’m hoping that this brighter sound is here to stay, as it really makes for a more pleasurable listening experience.

• Band / Artist : Rosie Thomas – mySpace
• Genre : Folk / Alternative
• Sample Track Download : N/A
• Buy CD : CD Baby
• Buy Digital Download : iTunes
• Rating : 9 out of 10

As more and more recommendations come winging their way to me, I’m at first astounded at the amazing talent that I’ve never heard of and I’m also pleasantly surprised at the quality of recommendations. With Rosie Thomas, I shouldn’t really be surprised as she’s on one of my favourite record labels, Nettwerk.

This is one of those classic scenarios, where I put an album on, after getting home from work, with kids bouncing off the walls and my wife, frazzled after a day of chasing ankle biters, and I realised that this laid back release, may be better suited to being alone and relaxed. That’s easier said than done, but I finally found some downtime, to really listen and found a wonderful, if short album to cosset my weary soul.

The CD opens with “If This City Never Sleeps”, a track that immediately greets you with some wonderful guitar, soon joined by just the most wonderful vocals. I’d liken Rosie’s voice, to another favourite Nettwerk artist of mine, The Weepies, Deb Talen. A wonderful track this surely is, but lasting just 2 minutes, 1 track in and I’m already hungry for more. “Why Waste More Time?” has a very live, acoustic sound to it, and then I remember that this whole album was pretty much recorded at a home and apartment in Brooklyn and Philadelphia, using a couple of open mics and it’s this live sound that makes the album feels very personal and intimate.

“The One I Love” may sound like a familiar title, not surprising then, as it’s a cover of an R.E.M track from their 1987 release, Document. This is a much more relaxed version than R.E.M’s and it’s not one I would have thought would benefit from this treatment, but it holds up very well.

A particular favourite track of mine is “Much Further to Go”, which really showcases Rosie’s voice, as well as featuring some wonderful accompaniment. It also has a slight production feel to it, but really gels together, to form an absolutely beautiful track. “All The Way to New York City”, is also one of my favourites and it’s this track that reminds me of some songs from the soundtrack of my life. The names are all but forgotten, but the song washes over me like wave of memories.

The final track on the album, is the title track “These Friends of Mine”, which is a curious song, when compared to the rest of the album, or rather it is for the first 40 or so seconds and then it settles down to provide a fitting end to a wonderful album. On an album of 10 tracks, 32 minutes is a little on the short side, but this is a classic example of quality over quantity.

Conclusion : A wonderful album from an artist who’s on her 4th album and yet, I’m only just discovering her. One of my favorite finds so far this year.

• Band / Artist : Kate Maki – mySpace
• Genre : Alternative / Folk
• Sample Track Download : N/A
• Buy CD : MapleMusic
• Buy Digital Download : iTunes
• Rating : 7.5 out of 10

Sometimes there’s a fine line between folk and country. Opening with “Highway”, the slide guitar is there and the familiar country musical drawl, which I thought was going to whoosh straight over my head. Then I heard the vocals, demure and almost afraid, breaking through. Breaking through is something I found the vocals having to do a lot of, as the music mix, was in places not favorable to the vocals, there’s still enough however to be latch onto and enjoy.

The forth track “White Noise” is for me the track where I finally fell into the groove. Gone are the slide guitars replace with a simple piano and guitar arrangement to compliment the vocals. This is an album that’s at times like riding on a see-saw, with ups and down. While “White Noise” is definitely a high point, the track the follows “To Please”, is a bit of a low point. It’s a nice sing along kind of track, but it’s just a little over the top with what sounds like a ukelele and the spoons. Nice on it’s own merits, but just doesn’t sit well on the album. The vocals too, are not as defined and strong as the rest of the album.

This is very much an album that can be pretty much divided into two halves, the country influenced slide guitar half and the acoustic half, which for me is the style I much prefer. “Beyond the Sun” and “We Are Gone” and prime examples of what I love about this album.

“Don’t Look Down” is a surprise track, as Kate shares vocals, with someone who sounds very much like Lou Reed, I just wish there were more opportunity on this 2 and a half minute track to hear the two voices bounce off each other more, instead of singing in near isolation. “On a String”, a wonderfully whimsical 1 minute instrumental track concludes an album which pretty much is a mixed bag for me. There is however much to enjoy.

Something I also noticed, is that while this is an 11 track album, the total running time is a tad under 28 minutes, the longest track being just shy of 4 minutes, while the shortest is the ever so short “On A String”, weighing in at 1 minute 11. For musical content this could almost be considered an EP.

Conclusion : Not my usual cup of tea. The musical style, is something that took me a little while to get used to, but it’s the vocals which really bring this album to life. Certainly an artists I’ll be keeping an eye on.

• Band / Artist : Robert Bray – mySpace
• Genre : Acoustic / Alternative / Folk
• Sample Track Download : Reasons to Consider Becoming a Hermit
• Buy CD : Artist Store
• Buy Digital Download : N/A
• Rating : 8 out of 10

There’s something undeniably comforting in listening to a story unfold via music. Without wanting to come across the wrong way, Robert Bray’s vocals remind me a lot of Billy Bragg, although not quite as laddish, but their not over refined and smoothed out. This leads to a sound that is very much a the sound of someone real, if you know what I mean. I imagine the sound we get here, is as near to a live performance as you’ll probably get on CD, without it actually being a live performance.

I have to admit, I’m coming back to this EP, after it didn’t quite gel with me first time around. As music styles develop, so do musical tastes and I know it was me at fault, which is why I just put it aside for another day. With fresh ears, I have to say I really started to get confused as to why I didn’t get it first time around.

Musically and to a certain extent vocally, I keep being reminded of Double, the Swiss band who had a hit in the 80’s with “Captain of the Heart”. A memories indeed.

Opening with “A Plague of Singer-Songwriters”, the mood is subdued with vocals very prominent and pronounced. The acoustic sound is just such a delight, with choral vocals (electronic?), really elevating the track to the next level. “The Breakers of Their Own Rules” is a much more radio friendly track, but radio friendly here means late night, mellow, as opposed to daytime pop/rock, not that that’s in anyway a criticism.

“Reasons to Consider Becoming a Hermit” features some wonderful acoustic guitar, which for some reason had me smiling, which was quite a surprise to me, when I became aware of it.

I wonder if Robert is trying to compete with the Manic Street Preachers with his verbose song titles. It’s not going to be easy to remember the name of the fourth track, “A Butterfly Caught in a Web No Longer”, in fact it’s doubly not going to be easy, as I found this probably the weakest of the tracks on the EP.

The penultimate track “Don’t Look Down” reminded me a lot of the nutty boys, Madness. The main reason for this is the piano, which is very reminiscent of Madness on their Rise and Fall album. This track is also the longest on the album at a tad over 7 minutes. With the final track “The Priestess and the Tower”, we have the final sound introduced, that of a violin, which nicely adds another dimension to the EP.

Conclusion : A wonderful acoustic sound that really comes alive with Robert’s vocals. An EP that really unwinds and reveals itself very nicely.

• Band / Artist : The Good Lovelies – mySpace
• Genre : Pop / Folk / Rockabilly
• Sample Track Download : Taboo
• Buy CD : CD Baby
• Buy Digital Download : CD Baby
• Rating : 9 out of 10

There’s a dearth of good Canadian artists, but it never ceases to amaze me how there’s often a real interconnectivity between some of them. The Good Lovelies are the third in a chain of excellent Canadian artists I’ve discovered. Top of this chain was Rob Szabo, which lead to Scott Cooper and he lead to the Good Lovelies, who I saw at a recent gig, where Scott Cooper was appearing as their guest. I’d actually listened to a few of their tracks on MySpace, before the concert, but this did not prepare me for the awesome evening of entertainment. I don’t want this to turn into a gig review, but just want give to touch on the fact that as a band, they exude personality. Admittedly the gig was at a fairly small venue, at most there must have been 50-60 people, but this just made the evening all the more enjoyable. I have a slight confession too, while Scott Copper was performing his “Insomnia Song”, I was in heaven, because as well as Scott singing, I had the Good Lovelies standing next to me, singing somewhat subdued harmonies, I thought I’d died and gone to heaven.

At the gig I took the opportunity to pick up a copy of their 5 track EP, with the full intention of reviewing it and also because my wife really wanted a copy. The EP opens with “Taboo”, a fantastic track, which gets your feet tapping within an instant. Further into the track, the harmonies begin and I have to admit, they ascend this track and indeed the whole EP to the next level. “February Song” is a very laid back track and actually the only laid back track on the EP. While the song is all about the coldness of February, the vocals inject warmth and comfort as they smolder. “Honeybunion”, er yes, certainly an interesting name to conjure with. A tale of bittersweet love, which shows a more comedic side to the band. “Clementine” is a reworking of the age old standard and I have to admit, it’s never sounded so good, especially for a song, I normally don’t have much time for. It’s also interesting that it’s the first time I’d ever actually digested the lyrics, mmm interesting to say the least. The EP rounds of with “Whiskey” a fitting way to round things off. Again it’s a song you find it hard not to tap something to, which is probably due in part to the banjo accompaniment. I especially enjoyed the trailing end of the song.

Just a wonderful find which has me clamouring for more songs already. Hopefully it’s not going to be too long before the band are able to release a full length album, which I’m really looking forward to.

Conclusion : Sexy, sassy, humorous and with voices to die for, I’d say that was recommendation enough. If you ever get the opportunity to see them live, grab it with both hands, feet or whatever tactile method you have at your disposal, in the meantime, get yourself a copy of the EP.

• Band / Artist : Gretchen Peters – mySpace
• Genre : Acoustic / Folk / Country
• Sample Track Download : N/A
• Buy CD : CD Baby
• Buy Digital Download : iTunes
• Rating : 9.5 out of 10

I love finding new artists and bands. What is especially neat, is when I find them kind of by accident, as was the case with Gretchen Peters. I recently heard a track by Eva Cassidy, another amazing discovery, on the Coverville podcast and for some reason ended up at CD Baby. While not surprisingly, a search on Eva didn’t return any results, I did get a list of other artists I might like. I don’t know why, but Gretchen’s name stood out and I investigated a little further. I listened to a few of her tracks and while none of them jumped out at me, there was something about Gretchen’s voice that urged me to get a copy of the album in for review. Let me just say, I’m not a great fan of listening to music via web pages, as the quality often does not do justice and there is something very impersonal about the listening experience, but it usually gives me a good indication of whether I am going to like something. The tracks I listened to though, did not quite prepare me for the absolutely amazing experience the album turned out to be.

The album opens with “Ghost” a track that feels like a some kind of out of body experience, witnessing a life that once was. It has a wonderful atmospheric and melancholic feel to it, which really appeals to my tastes. For me though “Sunday Morning” stands out as just an amazing track. Starting with a very simple guitar melody, the vocals come in, and build up to some wonderful harmonies. This song reeled me in, hook line and sinker. I’d never really considered the genre of this album, until I heard this song. While it’s undeniable Gretchen’s voice has a lot of country influences, the album itself feels a lot more folky and relaxed. I actually listened to the CD for the first time in the car. My wife had gone into Timmy’s to pick me up a coffee, and I managed to listen to the first two tracks while she was away. I don’t know why, but when I saw her again, I missed her in a way I can’t explain. I know that probably sounds silly, since she’d only been gone 10 minutes, but those two tracks had really tapped into my emotional psyche.

“Jezebel” is an interesting song, that really showcases Gretchen’s vocals and reminds me a bit of Stevie Nicks. Unlike Nicks however, the harshness and is replaced by beauty and a softness that is at times almost heartbreaking. “Thirsty” really took a while to grow on me. While it’s still not my favorite track, it’s very much a rose, surrounded by roses of a slightly different colour. “England Blues” while very much a bluesy style song, has a very country flavour and is one that I gave more of a chance to, due to it’s subject matter, telling the tale of leaving Nashville for London, and not just for sightseeing. It’s a very simplistic, but enjoyable romp of a song.

While not wanting this review to spiral out of control, it’s ever apparent that this is one phenomenal album. It’s good to see that out of something heartbreaking, can materialize something amazing and beautiful. While I don’t wish Gretchen any more heartbreak, I’m hoping that she can at least draw a whole lot more out of her experiences, if this is a testament to what can be achieved.

Conclusion : A stunning album, that feels very personal and intimate. A tinge of sadness, melancholy and eternal hope for the future. Awesome.

• Band / Artist : Sleeper Car – mySpace
• Genre : Folk / Americana
• Sample Track Download : Hold Me Now
• Buy CD : CD Baby
• Buy Digital Download : iTunes
• Rating : 8 out of 10

I didn’t quite know what to make of this CD when I first put it into the CD player. It has a very Celtic, almost country feel to it. Yet again, I see the term Americana used by a band and it was then that the Byrds came to mind, specifically the later part of the Byrds catalog, which I have to admit, if I’m honest, wasn’t my favorite era of theirs, but they still managed to shine the odd spark of brilliance. So there was no one more surprised than me, when I found myself really getting into the first track “Lay It Down”. This is a track that conjured images of the wild west and dusty saloons and I found myself almost shooting a video in my head.

“I Won’t Break Down” is a softer sounding track, with a great chorus and some really nice guitar work. Throughout the verses I found myself almost mesmerized by the acoustic guitar that sits so subtly underneath. I put aside the puns I had for “Anti Climatic Girl”, which has a real relaxed sound, almost akin to a drawl. “Caliber Eyes” continues the relaxed sound and I almost forget that I’m not listening to some classic album of yesteryear.

“Hold Me Now” has a slightly more contemporary sound, but still underpinned, by the great work preceding it on this 6 track EP. It was with this track that I realized the production is spot on. Not once do you feel overpowered by either the vocals nor music, it’s just perfectly balanced. The final track “Follow”, is is probably my favorite track on the EP, it has an ever so slightly disjointed feel to it, but it really works in the tracks favor, giving it some real body to bite into.

Conclusion : I have to admit, had I see this album on the shelves of a record store, I would probably discounted it in an instant. It’s so satisfying then to be able to delight in finding another gem, from a genre that I’m suddenly becoming quite a fan of.

• Band / Artist : The Tacticians – mySpace
• Genre : Pop / Folk
• Sample Track Download : N/A
• Buy CD : Setanta Records
• Buy Digital Download : iTunes
• Rating : 8.5 out of 10

First off, I have to admit I do have a soft spot for this band. I first discovered them on a podcast that played the track “London’s Alright”. In it is mentioned my old stomping ground, which never fails to bring back fond memories. I actually liked the track so much, I ordered a 7″ vinyl copy, do you remember vinyl? The lads follow up single was “Girls Grow Up Faster than Boys”, which had that similar, 80’s retro indie feel. A little while after that release the guys sent me an email to let me know they’d been signed to Setanta Records. This was great for them, but also great for us, as it meant a whole album of the Tacticians’ great songs.

The album does not disappoint. 11 tracks, with great lyrics and a musical style, that feels very raw, but also very tight and well executed. The lyrical style, reminds me a lot of the Kinks, were every song tells a story and is backed up by music that’s spot on. Many of the tracks never fail to get me tapping something, whether it’s fingers, hands, feet or any other extremities that can be tapped or shook.

Opening with “Respectfully Proceeding” this is probably one of the more radio friend tracks and is one that you’ll find yourself humming, long after it’s finished. The following three tracks “Girls Grow Up Faster than Boys”, “Hardcore Porn” and “London’s Alright” are no stranger to Tacticians’ fans, as they have all appeared on their two singles. “Hardcore Porn” is actually a pretty innocuous track, despite it’s title. For me though “London’s Alright” is the killer track, even though I’m not overly keen on the new arrangement, which varies quite a bit from the original single.

“Size” is one of those little gems, that behind the very simple title, hides a song of pure gold. “Honey You Ain’t Needed Anymore” starts off pretty laid back and gets more frenetic the further the song progresses. “Get a Move on” is the last track also featuring on one of the singles.

“Dance Like Nobody’s Watching” has an almost Elvis Costello feel to it to the music, with a Joe Strummer vocal accompaniment. In fact it was when I reached this song, that I realised that many of the vocals share a lot of similarities with Joe Strummer, which is praise indeed in my book. “Ordinary People” is a very pleasant track, but doesn’t really captivate. It’s a similar thing with “I Feel It’s Over”. In fact when I think about it more, they are very fairly laid back tracks and you very much get the feeling that the album is winding up, so maybe not a criticism as such, more an observation. Finishing up with “Town Full of Losers”, it all ends far too quickly, but man what a ride.

The only small niggle I have with the album, is when I make direct comparisons of tracks on the album, with the ones released on the two singles. Those tracks are “London’s Alright” and “Hardcore Porn” and “Girls Grown Up Faster than Boys” and “Get a Move On”. I found the production on the singles, was much nicer. Those tracks and to a certain degree the rest of the tracks on the album sound kind of muffled, when compared to the crisper and brighter sounding singles. Just a small niggle, but it’s something I keep coming back to when I play the album.

Conclusion : Production issues aside, this is still a great album, that manages to capture a great youthful spirit. They perform quite a bit, in and around London, and I can just image they’re fantastic live. Do your CD collection a favour and pick up a copy.