In a fair musical world Simon Bristoll's Captain Wilberforce would be massive. He seems to be destined to be another of those artists / bands that frustrate us when more don't seem to get them. Originally that was blamed on gatekeepers or labels who only wanted the fashionable.
The internet and ultimately Social Media were supposed to usher in an age were music could be picked up easily by all. Instead it provided a world where people believe music is free and therefore unless you are mega, it is now a second job,
Both didn't usher in a new world, they encouraged attention deficit, listeners like something and then a few listens onwards move onto the next without telling anyone else about what they've found. The only way forward may be for us to shout loudly as a group, ditto other great music places.
Captain Wilberforce has been with me forever. Now into the third decade, I've covered them on here and Anything Should Happen throughout. Bristoll's seemingly forever known as the English Neil Finn and that is apparent the slower songs here. When the pace picks up, the comparison becomes Squeeze, but there is far more here than just that.
Bristoll has a lyrical adeptness akin to Chris Difford, but a bit more worldly and the arrangements are out of this world. The Jangle Pop is present regularly, but usually mixed with something else such as Psych Pop on The Installation.
The arrangement on the UK New Wave of Christine, You're A Drag also has big hints of the 60s Beat. Sonny even adds a great Brass arrangement and the closer, Lighter Shade Of Blue is Americana. Yet Four Words And The Enter Key is rockier, with a killer riff and driving rhythm and a solo that catches you off guard.
It is Holding On that probably defines a base camp Bristoll song, great Pop Rock. The whole album is a testament to how great the Leeds scene is at the moment. These songs are largely stories, beautifully presented. I'll allow myself a cliche. This is the best album that Captain Wilberforce has ever made and with the best being so strong, that is some compliment. This album is magnificent. Go tell your friends.
You can listen to and buy the album here. It is available on CD and as a download.
.............
No comments:
Post a Comment