Apart from good and bad Britpop, there were other things abroad in England in the late 80s/early 90s, for example King of The Slums. From Manchester, they shook BM’s world with several thundering slices of life albums, including unforgettable tracks like ‘Fanciable Headcase’ and ‘Simpering Blonde Bombshell’, a bit like the Smiths with heavier guitars and even darker melodies.
So they are back (well, in some sort of line-up, presumably Charley Keigher and others), and this album sounds like they are fresh and rebooted – there are 14 tracks, and they sound as good as ever.
Opening track ‘The Broken English’ sound furious, with what… well, what have you got?
The shards of guitar still sound Gang of Four vs The Cult, or something… And the lyrics, not always that audible, sound like they have never been away. Insinuating, accusatory and also self-deprecating, balladeering the state of the nation, yet again – “that’s what’s going on”.
Highlights are probably ‘Deathsex Reality Check’, a pummelling take on god knows what kind of weird encounter – Jarvis Cocker has nothing on this, well not these days…and ‘Pigeon Land’, with enormous guitar riffs and veering into hardcore thrash territory at times.
God it is good to have this lot back – BM understands there have been some Manchester live gigs, but a UK tour would be most welcome…