Captain Sensible; Captain Everything; Captain and Tennille for Chrissake!
None of the aforementioned should be taken seriously – well, let’s just say the first two shouldn’t have been taken seriously, while the latter just couldn’t be taken seriously (though for the record Captain Everything were one of my personal favourite punk bands.) So what to expect from Nottingham four-piece, Captain Dangerous?
Well, in spite of a name that conjures the image of a cross between a Jackass-inspired caped crusader and The Aquabats, what we have here are two really strong songs that differ so much in all respects and evidence the band’s desire to be … well, taken seriously, I guess.
Opening track, ’The Terrorist’ took a few listens I have to concede. My initial reaction was that the three and a half minutes were just too cluttered. It seemed as if the good old Captain was trying to shoehorn all the ideas and instruments into the one song. However, when it’s broken down, and carefully reassembled in the listener’s head, it dawns that the original perception of there being two separate songs being played simultaneously is errant and that in fact the band have cleverly layered the song – just like your mum’s best double-decker jam sponge sandwich cake.
At the base the lead vocals and basic guitar riff have me reminiscing of the great John Otway (and Wild Willy Barrett,) while placed carefully on top is a Blur-esque harmony / ‘woo-oo-oo- oo,’ backing. And all topped off with a light sprinkle and swirl of synth- type gadgetry.
The song rises and falls throughout and to be honest, exhibits the same ‘fun’ level as the captains Sensible and Everything.
‘Merrow Song’ as mentioned is completely different. It takes on more of a modern Folk form, with violin and banjo to the fore. But don’t be put off – this isn’t one written for the corduroy trousers and woolly hat brigade. At least, I think not. It definitely boasts the sing-a-long factor though – that is if you can sing as fast as vocalist Adam Clarkson and can squeeze an extra five or so words into a line of each verse!
Yeah – between the two songs it certainly looks like Captain Dangerous are positively overflowing with ideas and words – which should make for interesting live shows and debut album whenever it arrives.
