Ian Broudie returns with his first new album since 1996's 'Dizzy Heights' and while he's lost none of his abilities to write a great pop tune, 'Tilt' also doffs its cap towards the crossover to the mainstream of dance music since the Seeds' last offering on more than one occasion.
But hey, put that light stick down - 'Tilt' is not trying to be a 'Surrender' or a 'Remedy', Broudie instead raids 70s disco for the inspiration behind 'Life's Too Short'. Even the eyebrow-raising rave opening of 'Happy Satellite' can't help turn into a great pop song once the Broudie falsetto takes over, while his continuing fruitful partnership with Terry Hall – and others – gives him the lyrical weight that the pop genre usually pays scant attention to.
Broudie's near twenty years (sorry Ian) making records means 'Tilt' sounds as glorious as you'd expect. Never mind that 'I Wish I Was In Love' is a masterstroke of sample research (Fleetwood Mac in this case) it's also a brilliant piece of studio editing – even Broudie's breath is used as a rhythmic beat. Superb and definitely a future hit single.
Elsewhere, 'If Only' could have jostled for a place on 'Sense' with its irresistible chorus and piano motif. 'Get It Right' is a musically stripped ode to miserablism pushed along by an easy ride cymbal and synth strings. 'Cigarettes And Lies' sees Broudie's clear pop vocal transformed into a half-awake, gin-soaked, cigarette-ravaged croak complete with bonkers underwater piano solo. Dreamily good.
The adage that you can take the boy out of Liverpool …gives rise to the Dockers' strike anthem, 'Tales Of The Riverside' with its distant hooters and evocations to fight against the bosses, the unions and the media blackout that's seen Broudie's music and Robbie Fowler's t-shirts forging a powerful local alliance.
Despite the musical environment that has evidently informed some of the songs on 'Tilt', Broudie's music and band – let's not forget they've always been a great live act – remains unique on the millennium pop landscape. Producer, writer, collaborator and singer – Ian Broudie is currently the only distinguished purveyor of Dad Pop we can boast. Let's hope he never grows up.
