The characteristic riffs are still there though; clearly heard in the opening twenty seconds, Jimmy Smith’s guitar tickles in the metronome-like fashion you’d expect after hearing the whimsical notes in songs like ‘Balloon’. It’s a belter of a track with a full blown, unforgettable chorus.
That said, don’t expect the beauty of ‘Spanish Sahara’, or the intelligence of my own personal favourite, ‘This Orient’. ‘Inhaler’ has a whole different sound to it; more hard-hitting and punky. The lyrics aren’t particularly thought-provoking, mostly consisting of well-worn phrases (“sticks and stones break my bones/lock and load/I shimmy shake/I wake and bake”). But the music itself is clever and original. Whilst it may not quite reach the heights of their previous singles it’s still pretty damn cool; it makes you want to don your black skinny genes and slouch down the street whilst Philippakis roars in your ears.
I personally can’t wait to hear the new album, which drops in early February next year. It promises to be somewhat different to their old stuff, but special all the same. For those who can’t wait till then, the band is currently on tour in the UK – check out this website for more details.
8/10
Isla Hodgson
More choice teatime cuts from Fingerbanger.
