Britpop all over again!
The Bluetones are back. Yes, the act who made their name asking "Where did you go?" all those many years ago now find themselves in the position where people will be asking them the very same question.
Well they would be if enough people actually cared but times have been hard for The Bluetones – they fought valiantly in the Britpop wars and they weren't without their charm or grace but as soon as the nation tired of chirpy choruses and engaging in debates about class and social status, the band have been left to plough on with only the hardcore following remotely interested.
'My Neighbours House' is the track that their hopes are pinned on and it's a spunky little number but the pleasantness of Mark Morris still emerges from his vocals even when he is referring to the idiots who occupy the modern world. A bit like Dan Ashcroft from Nathan Barley, except a year later....and less hair.
The song's alright and on first listen, you are automatically transported back to the days when the band were respected and revered so the long term fans are going to be happy with their lot but it's probably not going to win over new fans or reconvert any escapees. It's not as if The Bluetones were going to come back with dub techno album and it's good that the band are still making the music they like as opposed to feeling they have to conform but it just won't make much of an impact these days, sadly.
It's a chirpy tune with a decent guitar line and some social commentary thrown in, if that sounds like a good thing to you, then get on it but don't raise the hopes too highly.