Released on 01/05/2000
Label: Sony

Toploader frontman Joseph Washbourn has more than a touch of soul in his voice and one of the daftest hairstyles sported by anyone in recent years. This won't hold him back though because 'Achilles Heel' is a beautifully crafted track.

Toploader have the same 70s retro sensibilities of Reef or Jamiroquai and clearly look back to that golden age of music for more than hair care advice.

'Achilles Heel' is a powerful ballad with pulsing vocals and a disarmingly catchy melody to it, a trademark tune from the Eastbourne Lo-Fi outfit. It hits a groove somewhere between Stevie Wonder and Don McLean whilst still managing to sound fresh.

The approaching festival season will see the band visiting a field near you soon and no doubt prompted the re-release of this, their first single. Don't be surprised to see it chart – it oozes talent.

    by Iain Campbell