Hot on the heels of their first album last year, there's a second House Of All album out.
This one's a recent birthday present from my son, who just orders a few quid's worth of stuff from my Amazon wishlist with no idea what it is!
The band consists of former Fall members, the 1980s and 1990s rhythm section of Steve Hanley and Paul Hanley/ Si Wolstencraft alongside founding Fallster Martin Bramah and guitarist for the final decade with Mark, Pete Greenway.
But anyone expecting a Fall copy album, is in for a disappointment. Bramah is not the same vocalist (the word 'singer' has been deliberately swerved here) as Smith was, and Greenaway is given far more space to show what a talented and versatile guitarist he is, while the rhythm section is rock solid.
The album isn't as immediate as its predecessor, possibly because having heard the band's sound, there's no surprise in the music. However, there's lots to enjoy.
Starting with the rockabilly bombast of For This Be Glory, the band slow it down with the darker full sound of Murmurations, Bramah attempting a sing rather than the spoken style on much of the album. Gaudy Pop Sensation bounces along with a hint of cynicism, then the repetitive Cuckoo In The Nest.
Under A Crooked Sky rolls along with a threat of menace, before the more lively Aim Higher, possibly my highlight of the album. Letter To A Young Poet is unremarkable, and despite a Johnny Marr type guitar riff, A Taste Of Money doesn't feel as strong as earlier, but we're taken to the end with I Must Get Clean, an almost catchy little number and the long finale Each Ending Has A Beginning, a slow and reflective ending to a really enjoyable album.
I'm not sure this is as strong as the debut, perhaps the novelty has worn off, but it's still a great listen.
4* - another great album from the nation's premier ex-Fall members' band
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