Bookhouse Boys: Bookhouse Boys
The nine-strong Bookhouse Boys release their debut
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Monday, 18, Aug 2008 06:44
Black Records, out now.
In a nutshell...
Johnny Cash-esque vocals, blistering horns and sinister strings.
What's it all about?
"Versatile" may be the best way to describe what the Bookhouse Boys' self-titled debut offering is all about. Frontman Paul Van Oestren's vocals call to mind Johnny Cash, while Catherine Turner evokes Nancy Sinatra. Guitar licks morph from Latino to country, sometimes in the space of seconds. With a total of nine members, the band easily spans a number of genres and does so with great ease. Maybe they're just showing off, but is it really showing off when you can back it up?
Who's it by?
The Bookhouse Boys are a true rag-tag ensemble. Comprised of self-described artisans, punks and east-end rogues, they cut their teeth in the bars and clubs of north London. Steve Lamacq has championed the trumpet-toting ninesome's first two singles, naming both Dead and Tonight records of the week on 6Music.
As an example...
"Just in case you thought that I'd gone, just remember you're not alone. I'm here with you your, every breath, in your birth, in your death." - Baby I Gotta Go.
Likelihood of a trip to the Grammys
It really wouldn't be a surprise to see this sleazily-alluring bunch following in the footsteps of Cash or Ms Sinatra and being nominated for, or walking of with, an arm full of awards for this effort.
What the others say
"Soaring stuff, melodramatic, big, oozing class." - Artrocker
"Striking the epic balance of euphoria and gloom. Definitely unique." - Metro
So is it any good?
There's something about the Bookhouse Boys that makes their sound seem oddly familiar. At times, they sound like the illegitimate lovechild of a Tarantino soundtrack and the Beach Boys. At others, like Johnny Cash dipping his toe into the world of two-tone ska.
However, they don't sound like a cheap imitation of any of the above. They have put their own stamp on something recognisable. Shot You Down pays a wonderfully unique homage to Bang Bang (You Shot Me Down).
"Atmospheric" doesn't really come close to describing this album. Maybe it's the fact that you could easily see Michael Madsen as Budd in Kill Bill knocking back tequila to Mariachi La, or that Baby I Gotta Go wouldn't sound out of place being sung by Isabella Rossellini in Blue Velvet.
Moody, sleazy excellence.
8/10
John Brunskill