The title track on this expansive EP is taken from 2006's very well-received Robert The Bruce album. Its ska flavouring and its bureaucratically-overwhelmed little-man tale are charmingly anachronistic and perfectly executed. That sax solo is a treat.
As a good place to start with what is now a formidable back catalogue, this EP also features three tracks that got left off Robert The Bruce, "Label On Me" starts with a tentative visit to the doctor (who turns out to be a she) and bursts into a magnificently sharp double-tempo chorus that rivals the best in British punk for fierce accuracy. Few bands can achieve the seamless transitions that IS do here. Ten years of honing a special talent does make for rewarding music.
"Small Talk" is stock-in-trade social commentary from the INSTANT SPECIES store of socially challenged English males. It has a great tune in the chorus. (INSTANT SPECIES do great choruses). Advert #1 is a contemporary version of "Pop Goes The Weasel", with different words, a different tune, but the same great finger-in-cheek POP noise at the end. It's a fast and furious set-closer of a tune.
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The two bonus tracks that follow are laid-back alt-country versions of two classic IS tunes: "Your Brother Harry" and "Plan B". Avoiding the plodding skiffledom that some slack types have been trying to re-establish in northern parts, this is lightly, precisely and sweetly done. It's as if they’ve listened carefully to BILLY BRAGG and WILCO'S wonderful "Mermaid Avenue" album, and said: "Like that ... like Hollywood Stars". Working their magic alongside the redoubtable producer Carl Rosamund they absolutely nail it.
This is the luxury end of independently produce music. It doesn't crowdsurf on any recent waves or no waves. It just carries on the IS tradition of smart-pop recordings. Do go see the website and find out what you've been missing.
www.instantspecies.co.uk
www.myspace.com/instatnspecies
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