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Monday 10 October 2022

Scruff Myers' Superhands - Scruff Myers’ Superhands

 

Over to East Anglia now and competition for Norwich's The Magic E's Another Power Trio, this time from Ipswich, but this threesome are no newcomers. Brothers John (Scruff) and Mel Ellis were Guitarist and Bass Player for The Adicts, whilst John Randall was Drummer in The B Goodes.

More recently, I've been more used to reviewing US Bands that sound British, this is quite the reverse. Scruff Myers' Superhands specialise in American Sleazy sounding Power Pop that is both wonderfully noisy, yet melodic. There is a real urgency to what they offer up and you can imagine them being some live act. 



15 years in the making due to their other musical commitments, this debut album divides into two camps. The majority is big sounding Pop Rock akin to the likes of The Replacements and Husker Du. Yet a few songs sound a little more Lo-Fi, almost Garage Rock. This isn't a criticism, both work equally well and the lower fi songs have a real earthy gritty joy yo them.

There is no doubt that Kissing For Granted is the stand out. It is anthemic and pushes all the right buttons, big chorus, massive riff and no coming up for air. Turning runs it really close though. Jessica Alba even has a Tom Petty like sneer.



Series has a vocal not a million miles away from Jeff Whalen at times and Wish is wonderfully Scuzzy Noise Pop. Nothing Without You is really down and dirty with the feedback fuzz reminiscent of the UK 80s scene. It is slightly slower and that works beautifully to take the band in a different direction. There's also a paint melting solo that is gripping.

The trio are also not averse to a Ballad, Want To Know is a short Quireboys-ish Acoustic Pop. There is even room for a great Country tinged affair in Down To You. You sense that the band are happiest playing bi up tempo riff rippers, but there is so much to like here that I hope we get more soon.



You can listen to and buy the album here.


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