22-20s ‎– 22-20s CD

Opener ‘Devil In Me’ is a rattling statement of intent, pitting Martin Trimble’s menacing, bitingly-sharp vocals against a barrage of guttural guitar skronk, while album stand-out (and early single) ‘Such A Fool’ sees Glen Bartup’s muscular bass and James Irving’s clattering drums snuggle up together like a pair of drunk redneck cousins. Meanwhile, in an obvious nod to the classic blues ethos, Muddy Waters-esque tales of irrational women and introspection lyrically underpin the album, with ‘Why Don’t You Do It For Me?’ and ‘Shoot Your Gun’ hinting at the sort of semi-misogyny that run through a White Stripes song like ‘You’ve Got Her In Your Pocket’.

However, while Jack White lyrically inhabits a bygone Little House On The Prairie America, 22-20s ongs, like the acoustic porch lament ‘Friends’, are firmly rooted in modern-day England, seeing them transcend their American influences with a stark, unmistakable Britishness. All of which leaves ’22-20s’ as one of the best British rock albums of the year so far.

Label: Heavenly

Country: Europe

Media Condition: Very Good (VG)
Sleeve Condition: Near Mint (NM or M-)

Plays OK but has a lot of marks