Goole outfit, Sandra’s Wedding, are back with their second album ‘Frame Yourself’. It was recorded at Hull’s Element Studios with aid from The Broken Orchestra. The album is available to buy on their Music Glue page
Frontman Joseph Hodgson, at first glance, draws so much resemblance to Paul Heaton that, his individuality is overlooked. On ‘Were You Expecting A Love Song’ and ‘If It’s Not One Thing’, he evokes the Heaton to a level he cannot outrun.
However, this is an album of treasures that goes beyond their Humberside heroes. The shimmering guitars of Johnny Marr sparkle on ‘Can’t Look at You for Crying’. Marr’s richness combines with the sunny haze of Real Estate on ‘Penguin Joke’. Meanwhile, on the Bragg inspired ‘Don’t Walk Away, Renee’, the jangle ranges from an introspective Marr to a carefree Belle & Sebastian.
The indie-folk of Belle & Sebastian again resurfaces on ‘Sarcastic Kiss’ and ‘Humberside Gymnastics’. The former pays glorious homage to Jasmine Minks’ album ‘Another Age’. The forlorn protagonist’s plea for betterment is enriched with Terry Reid’s indie-soul vocals. ‘Humberside Gymnastics’, gentle and amiable on the surface but blink, and you’ll miss the distressing tale of domestic turmoil.
The lyrics of ‘Frame Yourself’ are its true star. ‘Humberside Gymnastics’ paints a dreary sense of isolation worthy of Shelagh Delaney’s ‘Taste of Honey’:
“Shred of some devotion / The smile you’ve outgrown”
Moreover, ‘Cold, Wet, Tuesday Night in Stoke’ is the best Morrissey song since 2004’s ‘You Are The Quarry’. The romance of Phil Spector, the hilarity of The Smiths, and the abrasive debauchery of Niall Griffiths’ novel ‘Grits’ all combine in this moment of melancholic glory.
Once you free your mind of the Heaton comparisons, and you will, ‘Frame Yourself’ will continue to enthral. There are moments when The Popguns enchanting love affair arises and splices of Billy Bragg’s self-effacing soul music to be admired. The drama and comedy on display, are the musical equivalent of an Irvine Welsh novel, Jez Butterworth plays, and Alan Clarke TV drama. You must embrace this album!