The Cubical - Come Sing These Crippled Tunes

Another week, another critically acclaimed act to come out of the UK. This time, it’s Liverpool’s The Cubical. Produced by Dave Sardy (Oasis, Primal Scream, Wolfmother) at LA’s legendary Sunset Sound studios, Come Sing These Crippled Tunes takes from a number of sounds, like Nuggets-esque garage, deep blues and psychedelic rock.

Opening song Great White Lie is a pulsating start, with infectious “Whoa-oh-oh,” backing vocals, blues-rock guitars and lead singer Dan Wilson’s whisky soaked growl. It sounds like The Zutons being beaten into submission with an empty Jack Daniels bottle by Tom Waits and Captain Beefheart. Wilson sounds even more like Waits on second track, Edward The Confessor, roaring with the gravel of an 80-a-day smoker over twangy guitars.

Sometimes, the influences are channelled a bit too faithfully though, like Would Be Lovers, which is Murder Ballads-era Nick Cave to the point of pastiche. However, unlike other backwards-lookers like King Khan, things here aren’t done with a knowing nudge in the ribs and an ‘aren’t we clever?’ wink, but rather with an authentic rock spirit; one gets the sense that this quintet really means it. Yeah, so they sound a bit like this band and a bit like they’re from that era, but, regardless of the fact that they are hardly treading uncharted territory, Come Sing These Crippled Tunes unquestionably has a fire in its belly. With music as raucous and enjoyable as this - and delivered with such passion - it seems a shame to question whether it amounts to anything more relevant and long-lasting than a loving homage. Just turn up your stereo and enjoy the ride.