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Reviews of the latest Spy51 singles, EP's and albums

Title: We Jet Hem
Album released December 2003
Tracks: A.D.A, I appreciate that, One in a million, Shrug, Jet Hem, Platforms
Available from: www.spy51.co.uk
 
 
A full review of the new Spy51 album 'We Jet Hem' will be appearing here soon.
 

Title: Sheila's sister
Single released July 2003
Tracks: Sheila's sister, Here today, Cheat
Available from http://www.spy51.co.uk and Rough Trade Records
 
 
The new single from Spy51 sees the band adopt a more rockier, harder sound. 'Sheila's sister' kicks off proceedings, and it's a 3 minute blast of pure power pop in the very finest tradition of the Ramones, Buzzcocks and more recently Ash. Althought the new material has a rougher edge to it, their sense of melody and knack of composing catchy tunes remains firmly intact. 'Sheila's sister' is quite simply a great pop tune and deals with unrequited lust and all the frustrations that brings, but with a tongue in cheek approach reminiscent of Pete Shelley's barbed humour.
 
'Here today', the second song is a reworking from the previously released mini-lp and remains the bands best song. This is no small achievement as I am yet to hear a bad song by them. It's less chaotic sounding than 'Sheila's sister'. In fact it's the audio equivalent to a pint of Guiness - smooth and creamy.
 
Last song 'Cheat' is a ballsy rocker that's a rallying cry for those planning a spot of infidelity and, like their other songs, demonstrates the bands talent for knocking out melodies seemingly at will. They make it look easy.
 
 
 
 
 

Title : Spy51
mini-lp released December 2001
Tracks: Push, Waikiki, Slow, Here today, Keep me from harm
Available from www.spy51.co.uk

album002.jpg

The opener 'Push' is a breezy pop number. It's well crafted and has some nice subtle touches that make it more catchier than it has any right to be. It's the kind of song that should be played on daytime radio, and would stand out easily from the rest of the crap that gets played on that particular medium.

Second track 'Waikiki', not sure why it's called 'Waikiki', starts off with a spectoresque drum beat that leads you through the verse. Then its heads down for a power pop chorus, and a chilling threat to all parking attendants. There's a great instrumental break near the end that sounds a bit like Magazine, honest!

'Slow', the next track starts off...er...well slow. It has that kind of eerie spacy atmosphere to it that can be found on 'o.k computer', minus the sullen vocals of course, and simmers away nicely before ending with a grand crescendo.

'Here today' is another infectious pop gem that rivals 'Push' for melody and catchiness.

Final track 'Keep me from harm' will wrap you up in cotton wool and smother you into submission. It's a gentle lullabye that sends you floating along on the calmest of waves.

There you have it. Five tracks all well crafted, enthusiastically played and pleasing to the ear. My only gripe is that maybe the lyrics could be a bit more adventurous, a bit more angst please? Other than that splendid.

Reviews by Paul Newton

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