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Come to think of it, I guess I've been wrong all these years.
I had always thought that The Wonder Stuff was simply one
of those great late 80's, early 90's college rock, jangling guitar
bands from somewhere like Minneapolis. I had no idea that they
were British, and that they were capable of things much better
and far beyond the pop perfection of "Don't Let Me Down,
Gently". Well, on their latest record, Escape From Rubbish
Island, The Wonder Stuff finally and truly live up to their
clever moniker, creating some of the finest Britpop to be heard
in years. Don't believe me? Dig the crisp guitar tones and throaty
synth growl of "Escape From Rubbish Island" or the Beatles-ish
melody lines of "Bile Chant". Of course, this record
is infused with attitude befitting a politically disenfranchised
and unhappy rock band, many songs railing against the current
systems of government to be found around the western world. Behind
all of that bile, though, is enchanting and intoxicating pop music
from across the pond. The lyrical irony of "Another Comic
Tragedy" easily recalls the early days of The Wonder Stuff,
with clean guitar rhythms, arpeggios ringing out chimingly, and
the clever poetic wit for which the band has always been known.
The later songs attain an anthemic quality, bringing to mind the
powerful, charged rock of Fury In The Slaughterhouse. "You
Don't Know Who…" is reason enough to purchase this record.
The song screams out with a power and ferocity lacking in most
modern rock music, yet relying on beautifully sung and quietly
played instruments to convey that desperation. You'll find no
screaming vocal lines here, folks - only truly breathtaking rock
music from the heart of a band that has consistently turned out
brilliant songs over the years… If only I'd known they were
British, maybe I would have paid closer attention long ago.
-Embo Blake
Track Listing:
1. Escape From Rubbish Island
2. Bile Chant
3. Better Get Ready For A Fist Fight
4. Another Comic Tragedy
5. Was I Meant To Be Sorry?
6. Head Count
7. You Don't Know Who…
8. Back To Work
9. One Step At A Time
10. Love's Ltd.
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