iLiKETRAiNS - Spencer Perceval (Beggars Banquet)
4/5
By: Gareth Roberts
Leeds' iLiKETRAiNS are unlike your average Yorkshire band (average being the operative word as far as most are concerned), indeed, they have caused me to utter a phrase that I, and quite probably no-one else on the planet, have ever used: the phenomena that is, ladies and gentlemen, if you please; the 'concept single'.
'Spencer Perceval' tells the story of the only successful assassination of a British Prime-minister (Mr Perceval for all the slow ones out there) in 1812, written from the perspective of murderer John Bellingham, the track builds momentum during its monolithic - yet in no way tiresome - 9½ minute duration. Gradually the instrumentation kicks in, growing louder and louder, 'you're position can't save you now' drawls Dave Martin in an Ian Curtis meets Dracula kind of way, before the track explodes into an atmospheric array of sounds and feelings that leave you feeling somewhat emotionally drained. Its powerful stuff.
B-side 'I Am Murdered' - and this is what has spawned the 'concept single' tag - is written from the perspective of, yes you've guessed it, the murder victim, our friend Mr Perceval. Similar in style, the track is a slow burner, however the crescendo this time is more subdued. It also possesses surely one of the most interesting and downright peculiar lines used in the history of song, "I kept the French at bay in Portugal, and this is the thanks I get". Genius. An envelope pushing, neck on the block mark of intention from one of Britain's most inventive, not to mention best, new bands.
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