Larrikin Love - The Freedom Spark (Warners)
4/5
By: Gareth Roberts
After delivering a number of singles each bordering on the verge of 'modern classic' status, the veritable smorgasbord of musical genres that is Larrikin Love finally release their debut album. Kicking off with 'Six Queens', Edward Larrikin proclaiming himself "the sixth queen, I'm the wrong queen, I've got mascara running through my bloodstream" in his typically cockney urchin twang, it's irresistibly brilliant, and sets the tone for the rest of the record.
The 'hits' come thick and fast, 'Edwould', 'Downing Street Kindling', 'Happy as Annie'; a stronger start to an album you'd be hard pushed to find. 'Meet Me By The Getaway Car' brings a touch of reggae to the party, which by now is rather merry indeed, and is probably in need of a short respite, which hey presto comes in the form of 'Fell at the Feet of Rae', a gloriously downbeat Irish folk-tinged number, and a piece of music so mature and well crafted that it's hard to fathom how some so young are responsible.
After that breather, It's about time to get back on the dancefloor, 'Well, Love Does Furnish a Life' confirming that the Larrikins' pop sensibilities are as strong as any at the moment. 'On Sussex Downs' and 'Forever Untitled' lead to the end of the record, with 'On a Burning Coast' providing closure. It's a record simply oozing with musical talent, brimming with ideas and lyrical wit, and as such it stands up as one of the most impressive debuts of recent times.
One small criticism, and it really doesn't matter all that much, not when the songs are this good; but the production is a tad bit overdone for my liking. The demos perhaps had a little more of that ramshackle naivety which adds a little something, builds character, you know what I'm getting at. But like I say, that really makes little difference. A special record from a special band, and what's even more exciting is the fact that they're only going to get better.
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