It's a foolish man who bandies words like 'permanence' around in relation to THE FALL. Mark E. Smith's charges have always needed to be on their toes because the chances are they may not be around the same time next year. However, for all the tyranny, there have been periods of relative stability in this forward-thinking band's turbulent 'career' (term used loosely) and they usually make great records when such spells arrive.
As I type, the current Fall line-up has been treading the boards for around three years. An impressive result for a band whose leader hands out more P45s than the average accountant. They've already made a good, going on very good album in 'Imperial Wax Solvent', but it's probably fair to say that their Domino Records debut, 'Your Future, Our Clutter' is their most eagerly-anticipated for years.
It's also undeniably one of the most consistent records they've made of late. There are only nine tracks (though most of them hit the five minute mark) and there's an admirable lack of fat. Spend some time deciphering Mr. Smith's usual oblique invective and you'll unearth some of the most personal lyrics he's ever committed to tape too. Several tracks refer to his recent medical ailments and his periods of wheelchair confinement, not least 'Cowboy George' where he mutters: “A 12 year-old doctor, a fresh-faced physician gives a note based on lies/ so I don't have to stand any more.” The album's centre-piece, 'Chino' seems to take things even further, with MES asking: “When do I quit?/ Can I leave this trench alone?” One can only hope that with the current Fall in such rude health that Smith is not really thinking of throwing in the towel after all these years.
Because this current Fall really is a force to be reckoned with. They show their mettle off immediately courtesy of 'O.F.Y.C Showcase': classic Krautrock-inclined Fall cut and laced with garage energy that builds seamlessly as it develops. It's not the only monster groove here either. The first section of 'Bury Pts 1 +3' sounds like it was recorded on de-oxidised tape rescued from the Chernobyl exclusion zone, but it gradually morphs into a confident, Glam-influenced stomp. The brilliant 'Chino', meanwhile, is as sinister as The Fall have ever sounded, with Keiron Melling's 'Metal Box' drumming combining perfectly with Pete Greenway's ominous Killing Joke guitar.
Smith heads back to his youth club days for the album's inevitable cover version, this time a bouncy, but muscular romp through Wanda Jackson's Charlie McCoy-penned 1961 hit 'Funnel of Love'. It's arguably the most immediate-sounding track, although the quintessential rockabilly crunch of the lively 'Hot Cake' (complete with saucy “ooh oohs” from Eleni Poulou) and the scabrous spaghetti western theme 'Cowboy George' run it close. While we're on the subject, Poulou is becoming increasingly influential in the enigmatic Fall sound. Many of the tracks are liberally drizzled with her electronic squawks and drones, ensuring that the band's inherent energy is tempered with something altogether more abstract.
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This darker side of Smith's psyche is bared for all to hear on the fascinating closing track 'Weather Report 2'. It throws a dummy with its' apparently plaintive opening, threaded through with a delicate guitar line from Greenway and MES suggesting “you gave me the best times of my life” in a manner not dissimilar to the refrain from 'Extricate”s great 'Bill Is Dead'. After about two minutes, though, an oppressive electronic hum envelopes the entire track and takes it into a different territory altogether. It's left-field and bizarre, but wholly compelling, with Smith finally whispering “you don't deserve Rock'n'Roll” like he's making a threatening phone call as the record's parting shot.
As I said before, you can never second guess Mark. E. Smith. Most performers would rest on their laurels after delivering an album like 'Your Future, Our Clutter', but I suspect The Fall's UK tour (due to kick off as I write) will be about as much of a lap of honour as they're allowed. Whatever, they've made a terrific record and found a sympathetic label to release it on. Another purple patch like the one they enjoyed at Beggars Banquet doesn't seem beyond them right now.
The Fall online
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