R*E*P*E*A*T Records might represent the spirit of rebellion and encapsulate the punk ethos (and the 'zine is a proper no-budget photocopied mess of social agitation that's cool and passionate in equal measure), but the label's latest release, Blue Light Club's 'Matchstick Men' severely lacks the music to support the cause.
Musically, it's not bad, but lacks any real punch. Above all, though, it suffers from a really thin production. I get that their sound is all about the space, the gaps between the notes and the instruments, but the same is true of precursors like Gang of Four. The lead track, 'Blue Eyes' just sounds flat, hollow and lacking any real meat, with the vocals way to the fore and the guitars packing no punch whatsoever. 'Left Step' has a greater sense of urgency, but again, the guitars are so backed off and lacking in attack that it undermines the sharp lyrical content. The drumming's tight and punchy, too, and I have a hunch they'd be an exhilarating live act.
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The lyrics fall to cliche in places on 'The Love Song of Claude Mayweather' with 'rain on my parade' and 'looking through the looking glass' standing out like sore thumbs, which is a pity, as it's the song that comes across as the most solid of the three. Even then, it feels stunted, stifled and unduly studio-bound. All the signs are that Blue Light Club have the energy, but it's not been harnessed here.
Mini Mansions on MySpace
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