Expecting to Fly

by

The Bluetones

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After hearing my radio buzzing to the sound of 'Slight Return', the debut single by the Bluetones,I began to feel my heart start to palpitate with excitement.You could hear the Rickenbacker guitar jangling loudly, the voice was reminiscent of a power-pop god of yesterday and the song itself was so catchy, that I went out and bought the album straight away on the strength of this song.

That was all of 7 years ago around the height of the Britpop phenomenon.The album debuted at No.1 in the British charts that year, and it was no fluke.

It is rare to find a debut album by such a young band (at the time) where the guitar work is as faultless as this and the songs so melodic and adrenalin-fuelled.The Bluetones should have been declared the young pretenders to the power-pop throne.

From the opening bars of 'Talking To Clary' to the final song of 'Time And Again',you are taken on an energetic journey through 11 unique songs that are equal part Byrds, Big Star and forgotten British greats like The Records.

Yes folks, it's that good !

Alas, the Bluetones never reached these dizzy heights again despite some very good follow-up albums.

If you are unfamiliar with their work, I urge you to seek them out.

Adam Devlin will one day be considered one of the best British guitarists of his era - as good as a Johnny Marr or a John Squire.Mark Morriss is an excellent vocalist with a lovely high tenor voice ideally suited to his material.The bass player and drummer are no less excellent.

For young boys to write and record to such a high level on their debut album is remarkable.

Do yourself a huge favour and get this album.

This band sounds like... something you haven't heard in a long time. Like early Rush or BadFinger. Maybe a bit like early Bowie too.

I can't jump out there with a fat 5 star rating like the fans have done... but I think I can be fair.

The slower, leisurely songs work well. I especially like track #10. It has nice timing of breaks, with smoother vocals, and tasteful instrumental mixes. I'd say the musicianship is quite good. Most of the album is uptempo, with enough variety among the tracks to keep your attention on it.

Nitpick time. The vocals are kinda thin and wavery, which could be an acquired taste for some people. I'm surprised how much I have to turn up the volume on some songs, to hear what's being said. (Maybe it was a problem with the mixing.) The band does try to power chord their way out of the end of too many songs.