Athlete - 'Westside' (Parlophone)
3/5
By: Clara Burtenshaw
Athlete, Deptford's answer to Steely Dan (or so it's been said) are quite unlike much of the other stuff out there.
This re-release of the song that launched their career has become a firm favourite with radio and, like it or not, you will find yourself unknowingly ensconced too. Joel ever-brash Poot's vocals are brought to the fore by a colourful soundscape of lazy guitars and gentle synths. As the lyrics of their irritatingly infectious chorus suggest, Athlete are not keen to jump on the rolling rock bandwagon for fashion's sake. Athlete have mastered the art of the pop-experience with a twist, but due to its repetitive nature (you will know it's the chorus when they shout 'Chorus') it does tend towards tedium.
Yet, how refreshing it is to hear a sincere Sarf-London voice that doesn't take itself too seriously. An acquired taste, but will appeal to the scruffular anoraquers who were fans of such a brand of Britpop the first time 'round.
Artists in this article: Athlete
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