Whilst Scritti Politti were born as a marxist movement, heavily influenced by the Italian Gramsci, the band's founder, Green Gartside, decided to take them in a radical new direction fairly early on, and they became far more radio and TOTP friendly. Indeed, there are several interviews of him in Smash Hits; hardly required reading for the revolution.
And this bass-light, synth-heavy sound was something of a disappointment for me. I'm sure the lyrics are clever, or at least intended to be, but I access music first through the sound, and then through the message - if the former doesn't grab me, the latter never will. Tracks like Absolute sound like a very budget Michael Jackson B-side, and Perfect Way is all clever elements, and no substance.
What I will say is that the sound quality is immense, with the admittedly treble-heavy instrumentation appearing to hear in your consciousness as if delivered by scalpel. The Word Girl is a perfect example of this, with the hi-hat cutting through all other sounds, and the bass line several hundred Hz higher than I'd have expected. Small Talk sounds much better through in-ear monitors, with its panning effect and detailed synth hard to be impressed by from a pre-noughties album, let alone one from the 80s.
There are elements on the album I like, from the bass-line on Wood Beez to the harmonies on The Word Girl, but overall it was disappointing. The syrupy sweet pop sound is not for me, and the lack of edge, especially given my expectations, is unforgiveable given the artist's name.
Chloe's album rating: 7
Chloe's favourite track: 8. Wood Beez
Olly's album rating: 6
Olly's favourite track: 2. Small Talk
Next week is 645. L'eau Rouge by The Young Gods.
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