Album Review

Imperial Leisure – Death To The One Trick Pony

• 23rd Mar 2012

Death To The One Trick Pony was largely funded by the fans of Imperial Leisure and I’m sure they won’t be at all unhappy with the results. The album plays to the London group’s ska and punk strengths but also uses elements of hip hop, reggae and the occasional indie guitar riff to create a sound that is extravagant and varied.

The opening Clown At The Funeral, a short ska track with a delicate keyboard part and lyrics that consist mainly of a chorus of “You must be fucking joking” instantly grabs the attention

The main single from the album is London to Brighton a typically energetic track that starts with a strong bass line and brings an indie sounding guitar part and a catchy chorus. Released in support of the charity BHSA (Brighton and Hove Skate Park), this one is sure to be a highlight of the band’s live shows.

Dead Model, a past single, is also included, a macabre song that starts with the lyric “Scream for your life” and gets darker from there. The guitar riff is typically ska but the track has a much harder sound than most of the album, and not even a trumpet solo can lift the atmosphere.

There are several other good tracks among the fourteen on the album. I really like All In Good Time, a slower ballad that wouldn’t be out of place on a later Madness album. Telling of the awkwardness of adolescence and the trials of growing up it features impassioned vocals and a fine mix of trumpet and keyboard backing.

Another slower track, I Thought They’d Love You, has a great grumbling bass line behind the vocal. Thin Line features almost spoken vocals in places and a range of electronic effects over a steady drum beat. The ska guitar riffs run right through the track, which tells of unrequited love.

And among the more uptempo songs Saturday Night stands out, its big chorus featuring strident lyrics backed once more by the trumpet. Bitter and Twisted is perhaps the track with the most obvious punk influence. It is fast and energetic, filled with screams and strident guitar chords.

The final track, “A Song for Paul” is a lovely instrumental. A combination of a gentle guitar riff and intricate keyboards weave a spell before a slow trumpet solo cuts through. It’s a nice way to end the album.

Imperial Leisure are known for their live shows, but this album demonstrates that they can bring the same creativity and electricity to their recordings. It offers a variety of musical influences moulded together to create a sound all of their own.