Album Review

The Indelicates – American Demo

• 23rd Apr 2008

Compiled of ex-Pipette Julia Clarke-Lowes and Simon Clayton, The Indelicates combine a light hearted musical style with lyrics that hit home.

Their sound is best described as straight-forward indie rock, taking influence from the likes of The Cure, LCD Soundsystem, Ed Harcourt and, in their punkier moments, The Libertines.

With debut album ‘American Demo’ The Indelicates are really offering a feature length artistic treat. While broaching difficult subjects such as the absence of God, Feminism and the decline of Rock’n’Roll in their lyrics, at no point is this album dark or over bearing. This is due mainly the excellent musical presence on the record. At no point is it too much or too little. Each musical phrase is carefully tempered and wonderfully complimented by each lyric. While I could say that nothing here is particularly original, it is undoubtedly special.

Stand out tracks include ‘The Last Significant Statement to be Made in Rock’n’Roll’ which offers a strong rhythm and serves as a great opener to the album. ‘Better to Know’ offers a slowly building, light hearted adventure not unlike a Bowie or Doves song. Other great tracks include ‘Sixteen’, ‘America’ and the distinctly Pogues-like ‘New Art of the People’.

Without a doubt, The Indelicates are an important band. Especially amongst today’s decidedly more mediocre rock offerings, this band offers a true creative renaissance.