In the halcyon days of Britpop when bands were actually forging a new direction for the genre, there was a band that carried the message forward, combining the melodies and quirky charm of Blur with the glamour and intensity of Suede. They were robbed of victory by the apathetic attitudes of a cynical and unworthy industry. An industry, remember, that presented us with the distinctly under-whelming Menswear, and Gay Dad. The band in question were SPECTRE. Spectre went the way of many great bands of that era, and split after one single. Chief songwriter and motivator, Justin has put the Ghost of Spectre behind him, and now dusts off his formidable songwriting skills to a new sound and a different direction. Stripped down to the duo of Justin on guitar and vocals, and Robert (the old spectre drummer) on hihats and Casio keyboard, the sound is distinctly 80s. Predominantly rhythmic songs are played with this unusual combination to surprisingly convincing effect. The set is watched with reverence by the assorted fans and acolytes. Justin commands the stage with a laid-back and knowing smile, piling on the emotional vocal tectonics bringing shivers to the spine, and a smile to the lips. Special mention should go to the songs "Heaven Underground" "Let's Go Electronic", and "Slow Low" during which songs, the melodies and dinky keyboard logos scream timeless pop hooks. The only gripe that there is with this music is that it is such beautiful band music, that it just begs out for the drums and bass to kick in to offset the largely distorted guitar and keyboards. Get a band guys, and kiss the sky.

---

Alternative 3 - The 12 Bar Club - 17/12/2000 ©2001 Wiselittlealice & Virtually Acoustic
No part of this work may be reproduced or linked to without the permission of the copyright owners