From the utter genius of the title, to the utter genius of offhandedly sarcastic couplets like "Vodka and tonics with the Stereophonics on a Saturday night" and "Youre moving to the city cos your village is sh*t", its obvious that Cardiff trio Mclusky are the antidote to the burgeoning tradition among Welsh bands to mistake po-faced sincerity for meaningful debate. Yep, this chaotic act, gamely balancing on the fine line between shambles and pop classicism, are certainly the answer to something, though its hard to believe that they know themselves just what they represent.
After a clutch of wonderful brief singles (the first ,'Joy', clocked in at 73 seconds, the follow-up, 'Rice Is Nice' was even shorter), each as invigorating as an a.m. espresso, their debut album is chock full of pop gems, as yet unsullied, or even tidied, by smooth production and arrangement. Instead theres just enough freedom to let the songs breathe. They have great titles too, like 'Friends Stoning Friends', the terrifying 'Whiteliberalonwhiteliberalaction', 'Rock Vs. Single Parents' and 'World Cup Drumming', tunes as catchy as the Manics are clumsy, flashing past as though the moment can only be caught once, like the buses that pass through each evening on the way to somewhere, anywhere livelier.
Already in possession of an excellent live reputation, you cant help but wonder what can follow this arguably premature debut, rough as a badgers arse. But its interesting to hear a band that can rage and croon in the same tune. If their inborn, irresistible cynicism doesnt wear them down, Mclusky could emulate their enemies in time.
