Reviews roundup – Levee Dwellers vs. Not A Good Sign vs. The Mutants vs. The Mentulls vs. Elliott Smith
LEVEE DWELLERS
Levelling Up
Blueshine
There are few things in life that make happier than a song called ‘The Empress Of Big Willy’s’. Oh, hang on, I’m off again. So thank you the Levee Dwellers. Who probably don’t live in a levee, what with being from Holland and that.
But, damn sure they’ve got the blues, and this is an enjoyable release, which highlights the vocals of Daniella Eerhart, alongside some interesting arrangements, and the occasional jazz flourish. Most of that is down to the good use of some tenor sax, and it’s when they stretch in that direction that things really pick up.
The best song is probably ‘Cut You Loose’, but when an organ solo makes an appearance on ‘The Empress Of Big Willy’s’, the wee Scotch boy in me can’t help but break down. Away from the hilarity, I was also taken with ‘Boogie You Down’ and ‘Makes Me Wonder’.
It’s interesting, rather than essential, so you might want to stream some tunes first.
NOT A GOOD SIGN
From A Distance
Altrock
Sadly, not a Bette Midler tribute album.
No. it’s time for some Italian prog rock, and the second album from Not A Good Sign. I had a passing acquaintance with the first one, and remember it being a bit more expansive than this one. It’s like they’ve made the leap from Fish to Hogarth in one move, with this being more compact and commercial.
Musically, the band are fabulous, something you’ll learn for yourself if you take a few minutes to listen to the opening ‘Wait For Me’. And there isn’t really a weak moment on the album, whether they’re rocking out or hitting you with a ballad. They’ve also got some really great arrangements, with a nice use of a wide range of instrumentation, which really enhances the material.
As modern prog goes, this is as good as it gets, so get your cape on, and order a copy forthwith.
THE MUTANTS
Tokyo Nights
Killer Tracks
Sadly, not a Krokus tribute album.
Although, to be honest I would have had an easier time with one of those. Because I’ve really got no idea what the hell was going on here. I haven’t heard their debut, but the main man here is one Chris Constantinou, who has worked with the likes of Adam Ant and Sinead O’Connor, alongside Rat Scabies (yes, Rat Scabies), Paul Frazer and Steve Weston. There is also a huge number of guests, on what seems to be some kind of weird rock’n’roll / punk / Ronettes concept album about Tokyo.
Which could be why eight of the songs feature female vocalists, whom I assume from their names are in a variety of Japanese Ramone tribute bands. And it’s certainly different as they rattle through songs like ‘Dead Beat Generation’, ‘Flamenco Boogaloo’, ‘Samurai Death Wish’ and ‘Mama’s Got A Brand New Knife’.
One for the tattooed nutter who hangs outside the pub talking to his invisible dog.
THE MENTULLS
Reflections
independent
Hang on, are we allowed to type that. [consults lawyer]. Apparently not, but if we call it reportage, rather than a review, he reckons we can get away with it.
Maybe it’s because The Mentulls are firmly based in 1970, around the time of the third Steamhammer album. Or maybe they really are mentull. But what you’re getting is an odd record from that time when blues rockers were turning into prog rockers. Mountain, basically.
Which means I thoroughly enjoyed it. The guitars are blues rock, the keyboards are proggy, songs like ‘Silverbird’ and ‘Time To Focus’, with a guesting Aynsley Lister are utterly delightful, and the lack of a bass player makes think fondly of the day that Vincent Crane decided to turn Atomic Rooster into a soul band. Cue the magnificent Chris Farlowe years.
A splendid album, which comes highly recommended.
ELLIOTT SMITH
Heaven Adores You – DVD
Eagle Vision
Oh, dear. That’s two and a half hours I’ll never get back.
Now I know you’re not meant to speak ill of the dead, but his sketchy lo-fi alt-folk really was dreadful. And the fact that he died young from two stab wounds to the chest, which may have been self inflicted doesn’t change that. Neither does a history of alcoholism and depression. I’ve got that, and I can’t sing in tune either, but I hope no-one makes a dreadful hagiography about me once I’ve snuffed it.
See, there is nothing interesting to see or hear about Elliott Smith. If he hadn’t wandered into an Oscar nomination, he wouldn’t even be a footnote, never mind a too long documentary. There isn’t even much footage of his brief career, so we’re left people you don’t know talking about someone you don’t remember.
At least half the film seems to be taken up with pictures of people walking down streets, and despite the fact that this has been made by a fanboy, and that it’s filled with friends and colleagues eulogising him, he still seems to come over as a bit of a shit. Pointless.
The Rocker - The Artist Formerly Known As Zeitgeist. TAFKAZ 
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