The Bluetones are one of the UK’s greatest pop groups, consistently delivering three minute gems. Yet due to the lack of credibility that the Britpop era in which they were first heard now holds, any interest in them this decade has been reduced to a loyal, all-knowing fanbase who are aware of their genius.
Frontman Mark Morriss’ debut solo outing probably won’t change opinion on that too drastically. Especially with the track record in recent years of mediocre solo offerings from bands lead-songwriters. Any fears that Morriss may do a John Squire or Damon Albarn can quickly be thrown out of the window when hearing that familiar and criminally underrated voice.
Rather than opt for what could have been a Bluetones acoustic record, Morriss has taken full advantage of his newly found freedom and has produced a giant sounding, classic pop record that owes much to the production of the 60s. Enlisting the help of composer David Arnold certainly contributes to that with its sweeping strings pouring over the Nilsson-eqsue opener How Maggie Got Her Bounce Back and the Mexican style fanfare on I’m Sick recalling Scott Walker.
Covers of Lee Hazelwood’s ‘My Autumns Done Come and a mellatron-led take on Teenage Fanclub’s Alcoholiday are given highly enjoyable makeovers, although it is the strength of Morriss’ own songs that are the real talking point with the soulful Lay Low, the Monkees hammond-driven pop that is Digging A Hole and late night piano ballad Unwanted Friend all showcasing a songwriter in his mid-30s at the top of his game. A fantastic pop record, for it to be overlooked would be a great injustice.