THE FEELING: Turn It Up. This Queenish romp, pomp and circumstance sounds like its been around since the 70s.
THE WHIP: Blackout. Pulsating electro that’s got one overriding aim in mind – to evoke memories of Manchester’s iconic Hacienda nightclub era. It’s top heavy though and could do with more of a bass pummelling.
ORPHAN BOY: Stilettos. Urban poetry in agitated tearaway pop rock art form that breathes life into grotesque caricatures. When it finally erupts in a frenzy, it comes as something of a relief.
RICHARD FLESHMAN: Back Home. Homage to homesickness co-written with Steve Robson who was behind hits for Take That and James Morrison. Elton John always looks for up and coming talent to open his stadium tour and Fleshman’s his choice this summer. It cries aloud for a bigger chorus. Fleshman was once voted the world’s 77th most attractive man – another fact you can’t live without.
THE RUSHES: What You Waiting For. The jerky, quivering voices seem to be waiting for something – and when it arrives it catapults the whole thing into a different soundscape. Before you know it this has grabbed the attention with such a grip even a laser stungun won’t make it let go.
HADOUKEN! Crank It Up. It’s time to regard the Leeds-formed band as the sons of The Prodigy as they worship at the altar of the sonic punk synth rave monster.
STONE GODS: Silver Spoons And Broken Bones. When the rollercoaster that was The Darkness came to a messy end with frontman Justin Hawkins’ abrupt departure, the other band members made the snap decision to carry on – and became the Stone Gods. This often heavy, trudging rock beast prowls through the debris of twisted prog rock with the opening track Burn The Witch more like a siren call to burn the past by throwing The Darkness onto the funeral pyre. They still retain the wit with track titles such as You Brought A Knife To A Gunfight and Oh Whereo My Beero, but it’s hard not to say there’s a vital missing ingredient. Oh Whero Justino?
THE SUBWAYS: All Or Nothing. Given such a stark choice, it’d have to be nothing from the vitriolic US band that’s all tanked up and looking for trouble. The moment they soften, musically they perk up.
VARIOUS: 70s Dinner Party. Have a fondue and chicken-in-a-basket to the likes of Manhattan Transfer, Demis Roussos, David Soul, Dean Friedman, Baccara, ELO, La Belle Epoque, Chicago, Crystal Gayle, Frankie Valli, Nilsson, Andrew Gold, Leo Sayer, Patsy Gallant, Boz Scaggs, Pilot, Clout and Sad Cafe.
