Five more songs from the purple patch of creativity that stretches from Little Lever all the way to Mossley, as tapped into by Stephen Evans and THE PLANETS.
It’s the fifth instalment of a plan to record and distribute 12 EP’s at the rate of one per month – thus showcasing their extensive repertoire in direct comparison with newer material. With an aim to include 1-2 new songs on every EP created serving as an unofficial priority, this represents a daunting challenge even for such a highly creative outfit.
And it’s a case of ‘so far, success’ – certainly in terms of their art.
Initially recognisable for their odd half-psychedelic eccentricities, and mucho 60s/70s influenced sound, the new songs are more absorbing, less attuned to the hit parade, but still compulsive and just as full of peculiar charm.
The round-the-houses path to melodic sweetness is relentless, raw and edgy as the sub-pop punk ode to ‘Lazy Life’ misfires all over during the stomp towards self-destruction. Spitting bile and anger to the brink of insanity or the edge of reason, Evans provides a razor’s edge running commentary that stays neck-and-neck with the runaway momentum throughout. It’s two minutes of light speed confusion that could induce chest pains or leave one dizzy and in need of a sit-down.
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But they’ve thought of this too and the antidote swiftly follows in the form of ‘Over and Over’. Evolving out of a single sonic thread of warm feedback, it’s a slow-building, rock guitar based and altogether less frenetic sound that leans heavily on the beat, yet functions equally well as a backdrop for sardonic observation..
If live favourite ‘The Drunk Song’ is an addictive, if self reflexive Quo-styled pub rock/bar blues gem, then the brand-new ‘Oh You’ is positive proof of the group’s devotion to artistic development with the emphasis placed firmly upon exploration.
Shifting musical sands? Yet underneath, the foundations, based on hard work and a real desire to improve, are rock-solid. For 2-3 quid a pop, this one’s a bargain insight into the minds and the workings of a group who could be Famous one day. These unlikely lads have already got a much deserved reputation for pop heroics.
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