Quirky Stuff
Damn, I really like this album, even though every cell in my body is suggesting otherwise. Lovemat are a 5-piece from in and around Newcastle. Their style is psychotic punk with some Rocket from the Crypt-style brass. Not a good start I thought, but opener 'The Battle of Falcon Hill' quelled my panic almost immediately. It maybe only just over a minute long but it demonstrates that not only do Lovemat have a sense of humour, they choose not to demonstrate it in a cheesy and crass way. '...Falcon Hill' is a great introduction and kicks into the Galactic Cowboys-esque 'Jack's Dream'.
The production isn't particularly heavy, but it's rocky enough to get the necessary grooves across, and 'The Fearless Hair Days of Youth' is certainly full of grooves. The mix is perfect, each instrument has its own space, and when the brass does kick in, it compliments the music rather than sounding like a cat being shaved with a blunt razor. 'Primal Image' is a stand out track, as is 'My TV watches me' which contains a great cowbell ride out, it's quite a toe-tapping moment I can tell you. 'Meat Market' is perhaps this reviewer's favourite cut on the album. The knife sharpening start leads to a heavy upbeat groove with low ebb vocals hiding underneath the buzzy guitars. 'RSVP' follows on perfectly with a chunky piece of metal, but suddenly they get their ska out almost seamlessly. You're unaware the change has happened, which is clever piece of song writing in itself.
This album doesn't really have a weak moment on it. 'For the hell of it' and 'In Pieces' both have instant appeal, but there's not too much that stands out head and shoulders above the rest. This isn't a bad thing, it demonstrates the songs are all of a certain standard and that the album flows from start to finish. It may not change the world, but it'll cheer you up, hell, I feel better already for spinning it twice on the run. If you're looking for something quirky, not too heavy, doesn't take too much thought yet is laden with grooves then this could be the album for you.
I'm not sure where Lovemat are coming from, where they're going, what they're about, or what they're trying to do. They say they are 'five best friends in the early stages of adulthood, fucking around with ideas and having a great time,' and I can't think of a better way to sum this album up. (Actually, 'Between the lines' is sounding more like Ugly Kid Joe every time I listen to it. Don't worry Lovemat, 'Between the Lines' is much much better.)