Superb Essex power trio THE MORENAS still seem to rack up the kudos more for their extracurriculars than their regular work. Last year they took part in the infamous Le Mans 24-hour race, while frontman Paolo Morena recently played John Lennon in a controversial documentary on Princess Margaret which is due to air on Channel 4 during November.
All of which is fine in itself, but isn't Peter Doherty already confirmed as the tabloids' favourite whipping boy? Do we really need to continually be diverted away from what we discerning folks out here love about The Morenas to begin with: i.e the music?
'Course not, which is why the arrival of band's sizzling new 4-track EP "Dance For Your Dictator" is timely to say the least. More immediate and in-your-face than the daft puns and brass-led diversion that was spy-loving previous single "It Shouldn't Mata", the four tunes here are all about The Morenas souped-up, superior garage-pop and find the band playing like their hides depend on it.
Lead track "I Just Wanna Be Someone" hitches a Ramones-style title to a tune played with similarly manic intensity, finds Paolo reining in his occasionally irritating Matt Bellamy vocal inflections, Tim Jackson and Steve Wilson again staking their claim as one of the best contemporary rhythm sections operating out there and even some daft, Devo-style synth splatches.
It's a great start, and the remainder of the EP continues on to force home their advantage in style. Despite its' title, "My Violent Femme" apparently has little in common with Gordon Gano's mob, instead flaunting a more angular guitar style and some of ye currently fashionable olde post-punk moves, though another juggernaut of a chorus saves it from sounding too parodic and Tim Jackson even has the gall to try some Mark King-style popping. And gets away with it against the odds.
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"Leave Me Alone" is introduced by the sound of someone punching numbers into a mobile phone, but soon assembles itself into another irresisitible rush of randy, raunchy guitar pop with a stalker-obsessed edge. Paolo's gritty vocals spar nicely with the "whoo-oo-oo"s and the whole thing sounds flamboyant, exhilarating and successful.
The closing tune "Filthy," meanwhile, is apparently resurrected from the Morenas great debut single, which is a little mystifying when you consider they have loads of great songs in reserve, though it's certainly well-worth hearing now if you missed it the first time round. It's chugging, intense gear with the whole band cooking and serving up a killer chorus in the process. No complaints really, but another new track woulda been nice.
Anyway, I've said it before, but it bears repeating: The Morenas are a woefully under-rated band, but one who clearly have no intention of remaining in the long grass of relative obscurity. "Dance For Your Dictator" calls a fierce, unrelenting and exciting tune and demands you follow its' lead.
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