The French - 'Dagenham' (Too Pure)
3/5
By: Matt Tomiak
Former members of Hefner (think the Violet Femmes if they'd come from deepest Essex and had even filthier minds), Darren Hayman and John Morrison, release a debut EP that continues where Hefner's 2001 LP 'Dead Media' left off.
We have here five tracks of gentle, lovelorn synth-pop, telling stories of satellite town ennui and alienation. And although cerebral reference points abound - how many other bands would even consider name checking 'David Mamet's plays'? - it's often the simplicity of the subject-matter that's most effective, such as the tale of suburban dejection and solitude in 'Anne and Bill'.
The standout track, however, is 'The Day The Aliens Came'; a wonderful, Arab Strap-style spoken monologue in which Hayman deadpans a tale of an extra-terrestrial visit to Dagenham. Genius, in its own small, humble way.
Artists in this article: The French
Your Feedback
Login to post your comment