BLINDSIDE

Phema

Those of you who regularly read this stuff what I write may remember that way back in the distant past I reviewed a CD by a local band called Blindside (for those of you who never throw anything away, it’s in the 30 July 2000 issue). Times change, folks. For one thing, this column doesn’t go under the heading of Singles Scene anymore (who said “Thank God” at the back? No ’paper for you next week) and for another, Blindside aren’t Blindside anymore, they’re now Phema and their current EP’s called Blindside. Got that? Good. Back then, they were a little rough around the edges, but showed a lot of promise (and they were also one guitarist heavier). They also played their own instruments and once played a set in a record shop. Happy days. However, the Phema of 2002 are different to the Blindside of 2000. The band now seem very keen on discovering just how fast they can play their instruments, which means that there isn’t quite as much variety between the three tracks on this EP and the five on Milk & Beans (the other one I reviewed). That’s not to say that what’s here is a load of rubbish, it’s not, but it’s the sort of music that needs a good few listens before it all comes together. When that happens, it does sound good, but the most encouraging thing is that they’ve moved forward. They’re still rough around the edges, but since when has that hurt anyone? More please.

THREE LIONS

Baddiel, Skinner & The Lightning Seeds

There has to be a limit on how many times this can get re-issued, surely. Don’t get me wrong, it’s one of the finest footy songs ever, but maybe it’s time to leave this one alone and (gasp) think of some new songs.