There’s one all-important Rock’n’Roll ingredient missing in 2011 and that’s style. Whether it’s the cheap controversy continually whipped up by the dreadful Lady Gaga or the historically-ignorant NME wannabes, it’s all seems so under-achieving right now. C’mon, most of you bands aren’t even trying. I want to hear a group with class, atmosphere and edge: one staffed with people who understand the importance of Rock’s sleazy side and the need to look AND sound suave.
Well, against the grain they may be, but such a band actually exists out there. They’re called LUXURY CONDO, they hail from London (Hackney to be precise) and they’re billed as the “loungecore elite” of the local circuit. If that’s the case, I’m coughing up for my membership, donning a smart suit and my finest shades and meeting them down a Soho alleyway for a cruise through the City’s ripped backside right now.
I know I’m placing myself in capable hands with these shady individuals. With an impressive pedigree taking in previous stints with respected Stoke Newington types like Gretschen Hofner and the Bikini Beach Band, proficiency isn’t an issue here and throughout their debut LP ‘Hit The Strip’ Luxury Condo do their magical retro-rock thing with verve and (yes!) style to spare.
The cinematically-inclined title track kicks us off. A propulsive instrumental with smoky vibes, Roy Budd-style organ and flashes of Dick Dale surf guitar, it’s a wonderful, scene-setting opening and a taste of the exotic sonic melting pot Luxury Condo are stirring up. Andy Butlin’s voice then makes its’ first appearance on the thrilling rumble of ‘Mission House’ and it’s a thing of dark, charismatic beauty with a tinge or two of David McComb and laced with just enough vitriol to be lethal.
From thereon in, they tackle everything from the looming, porno-noir blues of ‘Front Row Sleaze’ through to the urban Tex-Mex/ Rockabilly lurch of ‘The Grizzler’ with total aplomb. Sure, many of the songs are soaked in a retro vibe (the cool ‘Escalado Man’ is surely influenced by drummer Pinball Geoff’s vintage pinball/ games emporium), but it all sizzles with energy and everything packs a contemporary punch on its’ own terms.
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Besides, while this sharp quartet are serious about what they do, they clearly don’t take themselves too seriously. This irreverent streak often pervades Butlin’s lyrics and the results are both hilarious and frequently brilliant. The ace recent single ‘Gorilla Gorilla Gorilla’ (literally) sweats animal magnetism (“each night I would want to smell you to see if you were in the mood”), while the rattling rockabilly of ‘Lover’ features the immortal line “the future’s bright as a hippo’s hole.” Elsewhere, songs like ‘Teen Angel’ and ‘Slushy’ with their queasy Phil Spector/ David Lynch vibe might initially seem like pastiche, but by the time the band have taken their sonic switchblade to them, they’ve been cut into all sorts of fascinating (and murderous) shapes.
With ‘Hit the Strip’, Luxury Condo establish themselves as a highly desirable residence in the Rock’n’Roll marketplace. Kit yourself out in your finest, grab a cab and sample their lavishly-attired abode for yourself. The party’s only just getting started.
Luxury Condo on MySpace
Drummer Geoff's Pinball Parlour online
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