Ryan's Gig Guide - February 2018
r gg Feb 2018 - p.25 WWW. R YA N S G I G G U I D E . C OM .....We’d pretend we were going to the local youth club, whereas we were really round the back of the place drink- ing whatever we could get our hands on. On a regular basis there would be a riot van show up to scare you away, and if caught you’d get a yellow slip of paper which basically meant nothing. Rightly or wrongly, the story told was one we could all relate too. Expensive taxis,“Fighting in the street”, and then a moody girlfriend in Mardy Bum gives us another stand out track. Never released as a single, but one of those songs that everybody knows. A bit like She’s Electric from Oasis’ What’s the Story, Morning Glory?The media in print earns a lashing fromTurners tongue on Perhaps theVampires is a bit Strong but…The heaviest song on the album, with real spite in the lyrics.The band had already renamed a UK newspaper The Daily Stir when they falsely claimed the band had signed to EMI for one million pounds. As the end draws close,When the Sun Goes Down starts with its clean guitar and vocals alone. Major and minor 7ths, before taking flight onto one of the most recognis- able riffs today.The song itself is a story about a prostitute and a “Scummy man”, inspired by the ladies of the night that would hang around the studio where the band recorded their demo CD. From the Ritz to the Rubble could have easily closed the album and there would have been no complaints. A rip roaring finale complete with group “Da da da’s”. However, the best was definitely saved until last. Starting with a heavy guitar riff that transcends into almost com- pletely clean. A Certain Romance became one my favourite ever songs from the first listen. I was lucky enough to see them play it live in Sheffield during the Suck it and See tour, as the band usually favour 505 as the set closer.The lyrics describe to me a narrative to modern life, the people within it and an absolvement to your friends. Ending with some fantastic drumming from Matt Helders and guitar work by Jamie Cook, my 14 year old self sits motionless. Knowing I’ve just heard the finest album of my generation. “We are Arctic Monkeys, don’t believe the hype”. “ A BoyWith aThorn in His Side” is a blog byWest Midlands musician Jake Davey of the band Colossus Yeti. aboywithathorninhisside500502770.wordpress.com
Made with FlippingBook
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTYwMDQ=