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Weird Dreams - Choreography (album)

Crocodiles - Sunday (Psychic Conversation #9) 7”

The Hairs - I’ve Been Working Out 7”

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Album Review

Misty's Big Adventure
The Family Amusement Centre Grumpy Fun

Article written by Matt H - Dec 9, 2011

Misty's Big Adventure

I sometimes wish I had more of perspective on how popular bands are. Not ‘cos it’d make any difference to what I thought, but how well known are MBA? I like them, and I know Dave Gorman likes them, and they’ve been on 6music, and they put on a great show, and… What about the world at large?

Undoubtedly a fine live experience, Grandmaster Gareth’s songs never really stood out as much on record. There’s a sense in which they fall between the stools - neither ‘alternative’ nor quite ‘popular’ enough, neither gentle nor harsh enough, neither political nor personal enough.

But you know what, they’ve got strong tunes, they’ve got a neat line in self-deprecating analysis or a left leaning message - whimsical with something of a hard edge (but more the edge of disappointment than anger). Aggression in particular now sounds especially pertinent. The mix of guitar, keyboards and horns whether turned to ska, nursery rhyme theatricality or African rhythms carries a hopeful energy to go with the downbeat humour and grumpiness of the lyrics. Their quirkier garnishes (including choirs and Sir Patrick Moore) too are in the main endearing (though enough with the kids already – we get the childlike approach without it). Even if there’s not that one moment that grabs you by the lapels and shouts “you must listen to this” I’d have thought that ought to be enough of a list to make it worthwhile seeking them out.

I’m glad I still do. Anyone else?

(Album released on 5 December 2011)

Links:
http://mistysbigadventure.com/
http://www.facebook.com/mistysbigadventure