Songs From Northern Britian
Third album from Leeds Captain Wilberforce finds the band in an edgy and ambitious mood. "Ghost Written Confessions" orbits a world in which the tradition of the Northern pop song is alive and well with front man Simon Bristoll eloquently capturing the melancholy, humour and a sense of place through his brand of melodic and expansive pop.
Opener; 'A Beautiful Waste of Time' is a stunning example of how Captain Wilberforce contrast Beatlesesque melodic pop with a darker tales of lies and deceit, the results require repeated listens. Next up is 'In Hell', heavy and atmospheric with its interchangeable guitars and lines such as "it's a cold day in hell" demonstrating how Bristoll goes from being McCartney to Thom Yorke in one step. 'Get Hurt' takes another contrasting jump, with the electro intro and humorous lines such as "you're not the sharpest knife in the cutlery draw of life" masking the volatility of a relationship firmly on the rocks. Had this track been realised during the height of Britpop it would have done very well indeed. The metaphorical Northern drizzle of 'Baby Girl' is another highlight, the track concluding with a brass band lament to another lost relationship. 'Los Angeles' like 'Me and Your Mother' are unashamed guitar driven pop that brings to mind other north western contemporaries such as Shack. Riffy rock with no regrets "Not ashamed to say I gave you everything" fuels the fire.
"Ghost Written Confessions" concludes with the extremely catchy 'She's My Kryptonite'. It is very apt that as the record fades you will have the melody line of "don't stop now just when we are having a good time" spinning around your head. This record is a rollercoaster ride, a contrast of atmospheres and emotions, killer melodies and classic song writing. Taking its cue from Macca, Elbow and Crowded House, people watching has never been so interesting.