IF ONLY all jukeboxes were like this, pubs would not be dying on their albums. Fratelli, former front-man of raucous Scottish three-piece The Fratellis, whose Costello Music was the uproarious soundtrack of 2006, has delivered a stoater.
On this evidence it is easy to see how Fratelli, aka John Lawler, was the music-writing wordsmith and driving force of said combo. His second solo work lacks none of the trio’s brio, but there is now added texture and subtlety, yes subtlety. Melodic muscle is flexed on Santo Domingo, Rhythm Doesn’t Make You A Dancer and Oh Shangri-La, while lithe, lilting and lashing lyrics lick across The Band Played Just For Me, Give Me My Heart Back Maguire and Cavemen.
It all melds magnificently together on killer track Magic And Mayhem, from its Blue Oyster Cult opening riff to Radiohead guitar solo complete with Skids-like vocal power. This is a genuine Psycho-thriller.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here