Even the album cover; a man who looks like reject from The Wurzels and an out of proportioned scarecrow, the CD cover wouldn't look out of place in-between your dad's LP collection, nestling between his treasured Caravan or The Incredible String Band albums.
Fusing witty lyrics, along with some whimsical melodies, and along the way some harder riffs, the trio have managed to churn out a clever album that reminds you of what English music was.
The album starts off at a high tempo, Part Timer excellently shows off one side of the Knives. However, it's the lower key, whimsical tracks that display the mastery that is The Young Knives. The Decision is an infectious mid-tempo rocker -
"I'm The Prince of Wales, I'm The Prince of Wales and if all the else fails I am the Prince of Wales", while Weekends and Bleak Days (Hot Summer) just oozes of Neo-Psychedelica. The alternative soundtrack to remind you of summer past.
Rockers like the early single Here Comes The Rumor Mill and She's Attracted To display the fact that The Young Knives can rock out if they want to, without sacrificing the witty and somewhat funny lyrics that the guys like to write.
My only vice with the album that it tails off towards the end. If this album was eleven tracks instead of fourteen the album probably would have felt a little more complete and a little less drawn out.
What next for the Young Knives? Judging from the album, the group has plenty of ideas floating about, and they seem to have enough of a sound that they can move forward and expand.
Along with the Mystery Jets, The Young Knives are probably the most quintessentially English band around at the moment.
A delightful little listen. More tea governor?
7
