There’s a decent chance you’ve already heard Spitshine’s fi rst single Hellsong played on the radio. It’s as cheery and chirpy a tune about burning in the fi res of the damned as has ever been written. So demons are going to spit acid on us for eternity because we don’t believe in God? Who cares, says Urthboy, let’s dance. He’s ably backed in this by singers including Jane Tyrrell and Elana Stone doing the gloriously wobbly outro. It’s a noble sentiment and it’s catchy as fuck. Fortunately, Hellsong is not alone in either department on this album. The title track has Urthy rhyming about how the
whole world could do with a bit of a polish. The song features a chorus that sounds like an explosion at the Nintendo factory that’s set to a beat, while blokey shouts fi ll the recurring phrase oughta be wherever it crops up in the verses. Spitshine slows down for contemplative tracks like Shruggin and then gets ominous for Usher In The Cool and Above The Canopy. The latter has guitar backing that sounds almost like Johnny Cash’s When The Man Comes Around. Jane Tyrrell pops up all over the place to provide soulful hooks that never fall into the trap of becoming dolorous – she’s so clearly enjoying herself you can practically hear the smile in her voice. Let’s go back over the checklist, then. Diverse, check. Catchy, check. Clever, check. Great album? Check.
- JODY MACGREGOR |
