The Watford three piece are back with their fourth album ‘Life Worth Living’. They have been an underdog success story for the past decade, selling out small venues nationwide with minimal backing. Having signed to Acid Jazz Records and, having Simon Dine (Weller’s cohort on ’22 Dreams’, Wake Up The Nation’ and ‘Sonik Kicks’) at the helm in the studio, they have said backing, can this be their entrance into the mainstream?
The Spitfires have been heavily indebted to the UK’s counter culture greats to date, especially The Jam. With their new high end mod backing, ‘Life Worth Living’ hasn’t ripped this formula up, it has seeked to enhance. ‘It Can’t Be Done’ merges the musketeer spirit of The Libertines’ ‘Fame and Fortune’ and the indie-dub of Hard-Fi’s ‘Cash Machine’ before unleashing a grandiose Blur-esque piece of orchestration.
There are moments of pure carnival spirit on the record which, keep the aforementioned archetypal sound fresh. Title track lacks a killer hook but, few parties would lose out from this unifying ska. Whereas, ‘Start All Over Again’, truly brings the party fire. The bombast of Spencer Davis Group and the majesty of Weller’s ’22 Dreams’ (the song) combine on this aggressive slice of funk and soul.
Certain tracks, despite sonic advancement, diminish in power. ‘How Could Lie To You?’ departs for Tom Clarke glory but, never arrives. Meanwhile, ‘Kings & Queens’ is a bit flat.
This all pales into insignificance on ‘Have It Your Way’. The eloquence of George Harrison’s guitars, take the hand of Cornershop’s playful production, and dance like inhibited lovers. Often, The Spitfires offer you all their righteous glory in one verse. Here, they utilise the subtle build to perfection. The Johnny Marr via The Jam circa ‘The Gift’ solo leads the album to it’s one true moment of ecstasy.
‘Life Worth Living’ is not going to catapult The Spitfires to mainstream. However, there is a notable stride forward in musicality. It almost feels like another debut album. IF they can continue in this vein, they are sure to marry up their working class hero story telling with top draw musicianship.
*Image courtesy of Tony Briggs