Unsigned (label)
12 January 2010 (released)
12 February 2010
I won’t be throwing the obvious remark by mentioning how refreshing Newcastle-Upon-Tyne based outfit ‘The Refreshers’ sound (have I just brought coals to Newcastle…?). Instead, I’d like to mention that bands like The Refreshers are kicking proof that the current UK music scene hasn’t relocated to the land of Yawn Yawn just yet.
Comprised of Blottie (main vocals), Iggy Bob (guitar), Zak Winter (bass) and Alvin Jax (drums), the quartet with an attitude four times the size of Tyne Bridge has their own musical philosophy to offer, namely ‘Three chords and the truth’. Given such basic ideology, the Refreshers sound comes across surprisingly varied, with each track on their current ‘Secret’ CD sounding individual rather than repetitive.
The opening track ‘Secret’ (which is also the title track) is one hell of an adrenaline jab, with Blottie’s razor-sharp riot-grrrl voice blaring “…won’t ever fall in love again!”
The next song, OCD, is an exercise in fun lyrics (“I sent myself an email to remind me what to do”) and also a stab at daily domestic grind and daily drudgery. The three-chord thump-thump intro and verse seem at odds with the song’s melodious chorus, but it all works incredibly well together.
Other tracks include Monroe, a trashy slice of punk rock with in-your-face lyrics (“If you can’t handle me and my world, then you don’t deserve me”), Slam The Door and Make Me Happy.
The final track, Take Control, bursts with a hardcore sleaze-sound and acid-spiked lyrics that probably most females can relate to:
“He hasn’t got a clue, he wants to take control but he’s lost at what to do…
It just takes one smile from you to put my patience to the test.
I wish he would go. Just go away!”
There are echoes of Shonen Knife, Blondie and Loudmouths running through the songs, with a dash of Motörhead thrown in.
The Refreshers are a band that – despite the album’s title – won’t remain a secret but instead keep on creating a riot at live gigs, sticking up their fingers to conformity.
As from next month, the band will be in the studio to record new tracks (available for purchase early spring). Meanwhile, all existing tracks are available for free download from www.reverbnation/therefreshers or alternatively, you can message them on their MySpace (www.myspace.com/the.refreshers) and they’ll send you the CD.
Well? What you’re waiting
