Posted on July 15, 2010 - by Editor

EP Review: Jamie Clarke’s Perfect/ East Town Pirates/ The Will

Fucking Folkabillie Rock
Jamie Clarkes Perfect
Wolverine Records

Jamie Clarke gained some fame playing with The Pogues and performed on their “Pogue Mahone” album. Since 1997 he has been leading the ‘Perfect’ troupe with varying line-ups, and their aim is to deliver fun folk-a-billy with his grainy voice and the addition of a banjo adding some weight to those aspirations. The five songs range from slightly punkier tracks (‘Beatboys’) to folksy ballads and an instrumental (‘it’s A Cloth’). ‘BKV’ is a rocking swing number and great fun and that encapsulates the band; not necessarily breaking the mould but if you are a fan of their folk-rock styling there is no reason why you shouldn’t enjoy Jamie Clarke’s Perfect. The final song ‘Pray’ is a heartfelt and bitter-sweet but genuine request for a second chance, so why not give these guys a go and judge their perfection.

Ltd Edition EP
East Town Pirates

This is a four track demo EP released to garner some attention before the planned release of this UK five piece punk pirates full length debut. Pirate themed punk is not something new and in the past the sound has relied on fun, jiggy, beer swirling drink-alongs, often with a Celtic punk tinge. This is a little different and from the onset with ‘Mutiny’ the band lays down their old school punk roots and accompanying sing along as the band fuses the piratecore with grimy Oi. Their second track ‘East Town Pirates’ is probably my favourite  with the gruff vocals, pirate rabble-rousing sing along which inspires a bit of ale drinking along to the ditty. ‘Baby Strange’ varies off course slightly, the band stretching out their sea legs into a bit of sleazy rock n roll but it’s a good song none the less. The final track ‘Given To Take’ is a bit like GBH by my books, again with staple gang vocal sing along which gives the band plenty of firing power and presence. It’s an interesting collection and shows up some variety on an old theme but these scurvy sea dogs do a fine job.

The Will
The Will

A Southern Californian three piece rock band with some punk influences such as Hot Water Music, whose sound is very recognisable in some of their material especially in Lucas Fackler vocals akin to Chuck Ragan’s gruff and passionate delivery. The band delivers six songs which rely on driving guitar riffs and melodic choruses, and although this is more Americana rock than punk rock fans of the country-tinged or HWM type hardcore might enjoy the band. I found the songs had their moments but on the whole there was no real excitement in the material on offer. The third song ‘A Million Times’ stood out for me with better change ups but still never really kicked in. ‘Whiskey’ is a bit more bluesy –rock and the final song, ‘Keep Your Distance’, is apparently a homage to their 70s rock influences and is certainly a radio friendly number and far slower than the rest of the album in terms of pace.