James : 'The Night Before'
Released: Out Now!
James are back. Ok, ok, they officially reformed in 2007, shortly before every other moderately popular act from the 80s and 90s started to follow suit. But can you name their comeback album? (Hey Ma – and I only know that because I’m a fan).
This time however, they are back in a sit-up-and-take-notice, that-sounds-rather-good, kind of way; if you haven’t already heard first single 'Crazy' then you very shortly will, and the best news is that this is far from the stand out track on the album - 'Ten Below' takes that accolade.
The fact James are packaging this as a mini album and yet it contains nine tracks and comes in just short of thirty minutes must mean they have some real masterpieces waiting to be unleashed.
From the sound of it, The Night Before will be the album that finally announces to the world that James are not only back, but as good as ever. As the Miami Herald put it: “It’s not often a band can rediscover its power after a seven-year break, but it seems like James never left us. James sound good as new”.
'It’s Hot' gives an indication of what’s in store; beginning with a sound that is instantly recognisable – repetitive synthy keyboard beats (a feature of almost every song) accompanied by a bass guitar drone, before Tim Booth’s distinctive vocals take over “It’s hot inside the chrysalis...whoa a leap of faith” he sings. No those lyrics don’t make any sense, but little in James’ life does!
The aforementioned 'Crazy' is the same catchy, pop-indie crossover that made 'She’s A Star', 'Laid' and of course 'Sit Down' firm public favourites nearly two decades ago. The formula hasn’t changed – and it had no need to.
'Dr Hellier' is a witty take on the wars of the moment: “Dr Hellier says that my body’s Afghanistan and we can’t let the Taliban take over and breathe”. This topic seems to be a popular one, returned to in 'Ten Below' with the line “He’s at war; He’s at war...Feels like a Cold War spy.” This would probably sound great live but the drums leave it feeling too overpowering on an album this small.
Some of the songs such as 'Porcupine' and 'Hero' don’t really work and shed light on why James never quite hit the commercial big time last time around – their inability to make songs as good or popular as 'Sit Down' every time. The other problem with 'Hero' is that it just ends and then that’s it – the end of the album – silence, without feeling like the album was ever rounded off; you’re left half expecting the next song to start. Maybe that’s a deliberate move and The Morning After will take up the baton, two pieces of the same puzzle perhaps? For that we’ll have to wait and see.
What is most clear from this album is the enjoyment that Tim, Larry et al have from being back together and making music again – the band’s schedule includes several major summer festivals and then a UK tour in December. In the midst of this, their second mini album, The Morning After will be released - I for one can’t wait to hear it.
Words: Patrick Dennehy
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