The Refugees' sound is, I suppose it's fair to say, characterised by post-punk energy with a pop sensibility - think Elvis Costello and you're not a million miles away.
The verses of 'The Girl With the Child in Her Arms' are delivered with a sneer that would be at home on one the first Psychedelic Furs album, and contrasts interestingly with the punk-folk fiddle that dances around the chorus. The folk element is a strong feature of several of the songs, including 'Mirror Mirror,' which is graced by a breezy accordion and plucked banjo backing.
Elsewhere, 'Love in the Asylum' has a rockabilly rhythm and wild partying sax break. Uptempo blues-based rock outs 'Tomahawk Junky' and 'Tel Aviv A Go-Go' really step things up a gear, and the overall sonic vibe is one of good times and dancing on tables. However, there are darker undercurrents to be found in the lyrical content, the occasional bile of which belies the chipper upbeat delivery. It's a successful juxtaposition, which means that the songs work on more levels than the purely superficial.
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The tracks are packed tightly together - the next tracks starts before the previous one's fade-out is finished - and this lends the set a sense of urgency and conciseness. It might have been released over twelve years ago, but still sounds fresh and exciting now. Good stuff.
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