Deckchair Poets

Deckchair Poets are a fun-orientated band who give the idea that they don’t take themselves too seriously. Which should not distract from the fact that ‘Searchin For A Lemon Squeezer’ - despite the occasional off-the-wall humour, boasts some overall fine musical talent and mega instrumental skills.

The first track, titled ‘Deckchair Poem 1’ is actually a poem recited to the accompaniment of seagulls. It evokes only too well a day out at the seaside... kiss me quick hats et al. ‘Jennifer Brown’ isn't really a track at all but a 30 second homage to band leader Lyndon Williams’ (Jerusalem) friend - with a nice bit of honky-tonk piano provided by Geoff Downes (Asia and Yes), who is back on his persuasive Hammond for the funky for ‘Bad is Bad’. The track also boasts some feel-good guitar chords from Ollie Hannifan.
The choppy and funky ‘We’re All Chasing Peter Pan’ is not only a homage to the boy who refuses to grow up but also to 70’s funk tunes – and of course the fact that none of us wants to grow old. The hilarious yet poignant ‘God Loves an Idiot’ with its harmonious vocal interplay and upbeat vibe sure is not a song for bible bashers. Did you know that God loves a down n out? Yep!
‘Educating Rita’ harks back to the 1980’s film, or at least it does in title. The composition itself is dominated by a 80’s style feel. Not sure what the deeper meaning of the song is meant to be (in case there is one) but hey – whatever!

By far the rockiest track on the album is the sarcastic ‘Everybody Wants To Live In America’ – its brimming with snarly guitars, wah-wah organ sounds, and here Hannifan’s lead guitars and Downes’ keys really stretch big time. Quite awesome!

“We all love Marmite yes we do, we all love Marmite and so should you! Euaaggchch… “ Yes, THIS is an actual track on the album. In its entirety! Say no more.
‘Quick Joey Small’ with Nick D’Virgilio’s (Tears For Fears) drumbeat and Downes’ keys also features impressive vocal work (chorus only) by Rachael Hawnt – reminiscent of the B 52’s. One can’t help the impression that the track could serve as a soundtrack to some vintage cop show.

‘Jerk’ surely is an anthem penned for all you vegetarians out there: “Before we were kippers we swam in the sea / before we were pork chops we lived in Dundee…” Brilliant, fun, sad, thoughtful and you know that when you jerk you’re still alive. All executed not in an abattoir but in the recording studio – and the result is an upbeat pop song despite the controversial topic. In fact, the band seems to like ‘Tarts’.

Another hooter (no pun intended) is ‘Silicon Boobs’ – no need to get into the self-explanatory title except that the number (anti-plastic surgery as the message is) cracks with fun and is played in a fast-paced folky Skiffle style (sans washboard).
To sum up the meaningless of life and of our pathetic existence, the listener is treated to closing track ‘Just Life’ – a wonderful harmonious number that belies the underlying darker message of the lyrics. And it ends abrupt, just like real life!