The Blueskins - 'Word Of Mouth' (Domino)
3/5
By: Kevin Molloy
Knowing retrospection will ever be a problem to aspiring musicians; what's a band to do? Playing just ever so slightly too much in the footsteps of their own idols will lead to dismissive pannings from the critics, regardless of virtue. It seems two routes are left open: either to play with as unique a take upon the past as possible (the majority), or to parody your loves in pastiche (an uncomfortably growing minority). The Blueskins are entirely uninterested in making any such distinction. To be fair, they've more than got a point.
Already referred to as retro-rockers, the most important thing to acknowledge is that if you want a challenge, or something so new and innovative it knocks the socks off an all-terrain wheelchair, then this isn't the album for you.
But, f**k it - when did any great band not steal from their own idols? And The Blueskins have made one storming album with their genre-thievery. Influences range from The Ramones to The Specials, from The Beatles to Deep Purple, and anything that's rocked using a guitar during the last 40 years. 'My Love is Law' is a riff-fest The Von Bondies only wish they could have under their belt, before concluding with ten seconds of melodic ska. Liverpudlian blood has somehow made its way to Yorkshire throughout, with 'Love Boat' and it's Coral-esque rhythm and harmonies, whilst 'Change My Mind' is a punked-up Beatles, featuring the blues talents of Rory Gallagher.
And at no point is this album anything other than outstanding. The genres are never forced - they're flung at our ears from the biggest maelstrom of raw energy these islands have seen in a long time. Songs never stray beyond the five-minute mark; every one is a potential anthem, Ryan's vocals possessing the stereotypical gritty charm of a 'Northern-lad', and all the growl of Lennon at his finest. The band is as tight as London gig-venue bar-prices, but with the vivacity that can only come from loving what you do.
The sound, dare we say it, is remarkably akin to Pub-Rock. It's a sound that's developed from the toilet-circuit, an outlet for the excitement that courses through the group. Just a few years ago it might have seemed crass - but The Darkness have seen to it that our leanings towards days of yore and big guitars have been eased open. Add to this unashamed rock the fact that the band has all the image and styling to keep them in 'the scene', and you have a more-than appetising recipe for notoriety.
Yes, it must be said, the opener ('Bad Day') is pretty much the same track as the last ('Magpie Blues'), and the tracks in between never stray far from the formula. And unfortunately such similarities will hold them back; but this is a brawny, brash introduction to a band that really doesn't care. F**k the detractors and tip your hats to one of the finest, fun rock albums you'll hear this year.
Artists in this article: The Blueskins
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