For those who adore the chugging power chords and distorted lyrical licks of James Dean Bradfield’s creamy Gibson Les-Paul, the news of a new, largely acoustic album, dominated by what the lead singer calls “beautiful, bucolic” brass, may be yet another classic example of mid-lifers pushing into the unknown, groping at the pop wall for artistic stability.
The Welsh band, currently on a tour of Oceania, have clearly come to terms with their soon-to-be legendary status, their nostalgic ‘National Treasures’ performance at the 02 having announced the commencement of a two year hiatus. This album is like a jubilee piece; an edition crammed with special guests (singer-songwriter Cate Le Bon, Bombay Bicycle Club collaborator Lucy Rose and Richard Hawley) and dated social commentary (Thatcherism).
Moreover, it seems they have even traded dignity for chart success. Who would have thought that one of the 90’s most politically charged acts would exchange a top 20 for an X-Factor appearance in New Zealand! Bassist Nicky Wire claims that the group have ‘never been snobbish about that side’ reminding NME’s Ben Hewitt that they’ve already played Strictly Come Dancing, calling anybody who challenges their decision a ‘fuckwit.’ The balaclava-jumpsuit donning 3-piece are not the raw contemporaries they used to be.
And why not..? Nicky says the album ‘really does a face-face with mortality. We’re all 44 this year. There’s a lot of cruel self-examination… about how you sustain the fantasy of still being a rock ‘n’ roll band’ almost admitting that the tour is designed around the British Lions rugby appearances. In the era of perpetually performing celebrated groups, it’s refreshing to see a veteran band without pretence.
The album is due out on the 16th of September followed by some anticipated UK dates and a quick 2014 sequel to ‘Rewind the Film’ that returns to their roots; ‘quite intense but synthetic as well.’
Newport Centre (September 13th) Dublin Olympia (20) Belfast Ulster Hall (21) Bristol Colston Hall (23) London 02 Shepherds Bush Empire (24) Glasgow Barrowland (26) and Manchester Ritz (27)
