Written by: Don Ciccone
How to describe an album awash in pedal steel guitar that isn’t country? An album with clarinet solos that isn’t jazz? Quirky? Eccentric? How else to describe a genre-defying album containing songs about filing systems and perfume factories? But like Keiron Phelan’s heroes, John Cale, Kevin Ayers and Marc Bolan, quirky/eccentric is just one aspect of what’s presented here.
And speaking of Cale, whereas their previous album, Bubblegum Boogie belied a John Cale (Paris 1919) influence, this time out, one might think of another Cale… J.J. Cale. Which makes sense… after all, the whole band just turned mellow.
Keiron Phelan & Peace Signs have been making very interesting records since 2018. This is their fourth album and just may be their best. If you recall finding yourself grooving to “Trojan Pony,” the opening track on Bubblegum Boogie, you’ll once again find it hard to sit still to the first number here. It’s a Brit/Jamaican flavored (think Equals) slice of joy. Don’t worry, be happy and get lost in the “Filing System.” There’s even a reference to “Trojan Pony” in the song. Feel good city populated with a delightful hook and some playful pedal steel. (Be sure to check out the charming video). The mellow, J.J. Cale vibe appears with the next track: “Suck My Thumb,” followed by a wonderfully silly ditty announcing the “grand centenary of the DuBarry Perfumery,” a defunct perfume factory near Brighton, UK. It wouldn’t have been out of place on a Bonzo Dog Band album. “Part of the Family” is something of a tongue in cheek self-portrait by Phelan, a newlywed stepdad describing himself as a “suspect dandy” battling for acceptance. Nice Bolanesque groove complete Flo and Eddie-ish background vocals.
The mood changes now with the oddly titled, “I Once Gave David Essex Kisses,” combining piano and pedal steel. We’re once again back in John Cale Paris, 1919 territory. The only thing wrong with this one is it’s over too quickly. The title track follows and it’s a first-class winner with references to astronauts, the space race… a very catchy song that briefly winks at Steve Miller’s “The Joker.”
“Adrian Come Back”, written for the late singer songwriter, Adrian Borland, is a poignant bossa nova ballad with nice work by Ian Button on drums and percussion. Smart clarinet solo by Jenny Brand. A Dylanesque Jimmy Campbell cover is next and it’s a gorgeous rendition. The pedal steel by Jack Hayter fits so perfectly that it now almost sounds missing on the original. “Imaginary Friend” is a Roxy Music-ish tango mixed with Bach…if you can imagine that. Fancy a bit of Motown? “How Many Mornings?” is your ticket. Classic Wurlitzer electric piano by David Hackbridge Johnson here and some groovy bass by Giles Barrett, who also co-produced with Phelan. The show closes with a little soft rock, entitled… “Soft Rock.”
No one can accuse Phelan of not delivering what the sign on the door says. Yes, the whole band has just turned mellow alright.
And what’s wrong with that? Not a thing… not when you have songs this good, superbly arranged and performed.
If you haven’t already, go ahead and welcome this Suspect Dandy into the family.
You won’t regret it.
