The first thing I noticed about the latest release from Supergrass was how many artists they’ve creatively updated. The great thing is that that they’ve only played off of their influences and not stolen pieces shamelessly.
Their third album feels peculiar, but wears it very well. The opening track, “Moving”, starts like a dribble of strings and floods into a 70’s rock anthem that is totally Rolling Stones honky-tonk. “Mary” reminds me more of some Keith Richards and Mick Jagger concoction than does “Shotover Hill”. The only difference is the lack of ego and soul singers. While I’m at it, the first single, “Pumping On Your Stereo”, is full of the Jagger swagger. Bowie has as much to say about “Jesus Came From Outta Space” as does Pink Floyd, whose influence also shows up on “Born Again”. Lulling you into the night is a track John Lennon would be intrigued by, “Mama & Papa”. And I can’t forget the simple but delicious “What Went Wrong (In Your Head)”. That is pure Supergrass.
Supergrass dips into many bins for their sound, creating a jangling beautiful mess. From the crazy psychedelic period of the Beatles to the Sticky Fingers of the Rolling Stones, and all the way around to the Space Oddity David Bowie. The two big singles, “Moving” and “Pumping On Your Stereo”, are clap traps, but even when a track seems to be overwhelmed with despair, Supergrass never lets you down softly. They’ve certainly outdone themselves.
+ rae gun
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