Still burning with the spirit of The Verve long after the band’s demise, Richard Ashcroft’s third solo outing arrives at the most convenient of times, taking centre stage just as Oasis’ much-touted (but, to be honest, less than resplendent) Don’t Believe The Truth steps out of recent memory. Significantly, and despite the relentless emergence (and growing presence) of the new wave of Brit rock on the music scene, Keys To The World remains steadfast in its aspirations. And as the hordes of young pretenders clamour for the throne up top, Ashcroft sidesteps out of their way, sounding completely at ease with himself and his new offering!
Opening track Why Not Nothing gives the (mistaken) impression that Ashcroft wants to rock things up a tad, but the larger portion of this record actually settles for a more laidback feel. Overall, the songs here are less impacting than say, his latter-day work with The Verve, and the truth is that it will require more than one listen to absorb. The upside to it is that with each spin, familiarity brings out the essence of each tune, and the vague similarities to Mike Scott and Neil Diamond lingering in and around Ashcroft’s particular vocal delivery start to be more recognisable. Overall, it is first single Break The Night With Colour that stands out above the rest, but Ashcroft’s verve comes through as strongly on Words Just Get In The Way and Simple Song. Not his best work, but worthy enough all the same!
Rating: n n n o o
CD COURTESY OF EXOTIQUE
ALKALINE TRIO
Crimson
After 10 years of slogging it on the US punk circuit and clocking up a fairly significant following - at least on home turf - Chicago punk rockers The Alkaline Trio’s latest sees them break away from their hardcore roots to offer a record clearly directed at collecting some commercial reward in return for their decade of diehard dedication. To help them get it, they’ve drafted in producer Jerry Finn, who has in the past worked with both Green Day and Blink 182. But, as this album reveals, it takes more than just a producer to suss out the secret behind blending punk and pop successfully!
In this respect then, Crimson is a mixed lot, and unfortunately, most of the 13 tracks on offer are not quite the direct hits that the band might have wished for. That said, there is no denying that songs such as opening number Time To Waste, Mercy Me, Prevent This Tragedy and Burn are strong examples of The Alkaline Trio’s potential at its finest. Compellingly powerful, darkly melodic and impressively slick, these songs may well contain the references that could push this band to greater heights. Admittedly, Matt Skiba’s vocals aren’t outstanding, but they are enough to give the band - and this record for that matter - the necessary edge over many of their peers. This is one to watch out for!
Rating: n n n o o
CD COURTESY OF WWW.LIB66.TK