 | | Too Much Texas (pic: Sarah Pooley) |
However, after a busy few years releasing albums from three different angles (Inspiral Carpets, The Lovers and his solo projects), Tom eventually found the time to let his former band shine by liberating the retrospective album. And so, it is this release that has brought the previous band back to the live circuit for one tour only. Initially the band look a bit awkward on stage, but within a few songs they’ve eased into it, clearly feeling 18 again as they bash out their old favourites, Jayne, Harp and Plaything. Yielding a sound that’s understandably retro yet fresh, they produce music of a pop essence that’s simple and quirky, verging on unnerving at times.
 | | Too Much Texas (pic: Sarah Pooley) |
The originality of the songs is impressive, more so when you consider that they were written nigh on 20 years ago, thus without the influential benefit of all of the bands who have entertained since then. Ending a somewhat polite set with Patrick Mower (it’s not as weird as the name would suggest), the band disappear back to wherever it is that they’ve been hiding since 1989. Hopefully, they'll decide that they enjoyed it so much this time, they'll do it all over again before too long.
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