Third album from Stage Door Guy and I still don’t fully understand them. I do though, really enjoy them. 10 totally original tracks, every one in a different form and the only common thing is this Mancunian spoken voice that appears at some point. Very John Cooper-Clarke. Some of the songs have a distinctly punk feel to them, some touching on new wave/ post-punk but there is also a pop sense that is positively joyful.
The blurb for the band claims that “A Mancunian was lost and alone in New Orleans. Helped out the gutter by guitar legend CJ Williams, Stage Door Guy was formed” And yes, I can hear influences of the crescent city, but there is nothing that screams New Orleans – either traditional jazz or R&B. But the Manchester lairiness is the same as New Orleans bravado and somehow I could see some of the songs being played on the second line.
The music is never less than interesting and often is absolutely gripping. Essential listening.
