Today we have reviews of the latest offerings from Babyshambles, Parka, Madness and Supergrass. Read on and let me know your views...
Babyshambles – You Talk
Crunching along with verve and bounce, Pete's idiosyncratic singing, typically sweet sixties-esque guitar, and the tight, crisp percussion heavy sound give a light touch with solid structure to You Talk. This is what Babyshambles do, and they do it well.
Parka – Disco Dancer
Rattling along with high octane punky sound, this EP from Scottish outfit Parka, is just full to bursting with breathless excited energy, in the Killers/Hives vein. On The Corner shows a different side to their music, with a U2ish sound complementing the charismatic Matt Thompson's superb and inventive vocals, and The Glass only confirms the quality of this band and their music, and notably features their Roxy Music-esque saxophone. Hugely listenable stuff, this, and a band to keep a close eye on.
Madness – NW5
So the nutty boys are back, are they? Was it worth the effort of recording the new material? Is there a place for Suggs and co. in the world of 21st Century pop? Actually the answer to all three questions is 'yes'. The sound is distinctively, uniquely Madness, and not a rehashing of old songs, but a new song, with a real heart to it.
Supergrass – Diamond Hoo Ha Man
Cracking track, bluesy, squealy guitar, driving bassline, stonking drums and a superfluid, rocky vocal give a sort of Led Zep/Lynryd Skynryd vibe to this. Much harder and heavier than you might expect from Supergrass, Diamond Hoo Ha Man really rocks.