Monday 7 November 2005

Chris T-T – 9 Red Songs (Snowstorm) album review

"Nobody’s got any good red songs anymore/And Billy Bragg’s gone fishing in his 4x4" – so sings Chris T-T on 'Preaching To The Converted', the closing track on this sadly anachronistic but deliciously effective album of very 21st Century protest songs. Sadly anachronistic, because he’s right: he may be the only man left who's brave and passionate enough to highlight effectively the issues behind current headline-grabbing stories. From the blinkered pro-hunt lobbying of the Countryside Alliance – "we'll call them 'The Cunts' for short" – to the flagrant selective reporting of the once-great British press, T-T puts the lyrical boot in with righteous wit and scathing laser-sighted accuracy. Hell, even pious protest singers incur his wrath: "Poverty's bad, war is bad, racism's bad/Well done, have a biscuit." Listen to Chris T-T. He talks sense.

Charlie Ivens

originally appeared in The Fly magazine, November 2005 issue

Various Artists - 1980 Forward - 25 Years Of 4AD (4AD) album review

Over the last quarter century, 4AD has brought the world such undisputed underground figureheads as Pixies, Nick Cave (with The Birthday Party), Throwing Muses, The Breeders, Cocteau Twins and, er, Lush. The label even scored a surprise UK No1 in 1987, when Colourbox and AR Kane clubbed together as M/A/R/R/S and created the mighty 'Pump Up The Volume'. But rather than trot out yet another compilation featuring 'Debaser' and 'Cannonball' and whatnot, label founder Ivo Watts-Russell has delved into his enviable catalogue to create a joyously uncompromising, idiosyncratic treat. Not a hit in sight, but not a duff track either: TV On The Radio's 'New Health Rock', Tarnation's gorgeous 'Two Wrongs' and Pale Saints' 'Sight Of View' are but three singular gems hiding within.

Charlie Ivens

originally appeared in The Fly magazine, November 2005 issue

The Hot Puppies - London ULU live review

Freshly signed to Fandango - the new label set up by Fierce Panda founder Simon Williams - The Hot Puppies know they have a lot to prove, but a sold-out ULU support slot proves not to be the early-days stumbling block experienced by, say, Razorlight in the past. The Cardiff-based five-piece are confident enough to kick off with new single 'Terry', its glistening keyboard lines chiming with impressive singer Becky Newman's powerful warble. There's more than a touch of Gwen Stefani in her voice - try 'Green Eyeliner' for size - and now the band have discovered the power of adding sex appeal, instead of indie coyness, to their infectious fizzpop cocktail, this could be the start of something rather impressive. Give 'em time.

Charlie Ivens

originally appeared in The Fly magazine, November 2005 issue

(pic copyright 2005 Rachel Bevis)

Ray - Deep Blue Happy (Pito Records) album review

We need bands like London foursome Ray more than ever. Singer Nev Bradford has a downbeat baritone pitched somewhere between that of Tim Booth and Lloyd Cole; his brother Mark's guitar work shimmers like Nick McCabe's at its finest. Melancholy countrified pop has seldom felt so emotional and affecting: to hear Ray is to watch rain splashing into oily puddles.

Charlie Ivens

Various Artists - Back To Mine - Roots Manuva (DMC) album review

The Back To Mine series, allowing artists to pick and choose a bespoke selection of late-night head-nodders, is still going strong after 20 releases. Having predominantly stuck with a fairly narrow selection of clubbing "personalities", it's great to see more diverse recent mixes from New Order, Richard X, Tricky and Pet Shop Boys (who got a disc each). Roots Manuva is overdue his moment in the sun, and this collection showcases his inspirations in fine soundsystem style. Body-popping electro from Mantronix rubs shoulders with early LL Cool J and Wayne Smith's digital reggae classic 'Under Me Sleng Teng' at the outset, slinking classily via a brace of dancehall licks to Wiley’s amusing 'Going Mad' and a delicious Grace Jones-fed finale. Great fun, no doubt.

Charlie Ivens

originally appeared in The Fly magazine, November 2005 issue