This is the third attempt I have had at penning this review, so if it’s shit this time it will have to do! Maybe it’s writers block, maybe I can’t even write – who knows. Anywya, enough of the self-indulgent babble that deserves to be on LiveJournal and on to the business in hand. When I think of The Foamers I think of beer and good times. I actually saw The Foamers about 2 years ago in front of about 10 people and was really impressed. There was a cheekyness and an honesty there which really lacks in a time when TRL sadly rules the roost. After forming in Epsom in 1996, The Foamers have paid their dues and this self-titled record will cement their name as one of the UK’s best bands.
As an album ‘The Foamers‘ actually starts badly. John Hannon’s recording is rougher than a badger’s arse on the disappointing ‘Airs and Graces’, but by the time ‘Erase All Of The Mistakes You Made’ and ‘The Walking Dead’ have walloped you round the face, you’ll be laughing. There’s an early Snuff feel to proceedings and a large dollop of oi too, making a strange pop-oi concoction. I hope that doesn’t catch on. ‘Here’s To The Death Of Hard Graft’ deserves to be on the soundtrack to Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. The Foamers are very much the Vinny Jones of the music world – there’s a tough fucking exterior and you know he loves a drink, yet you can’t help but take a shine to them.
I nearly forgot to mention that The Foamers also have something to say. “Public acceptance, media attention, front page headline new, remember we’re the ones who brought you here, we can make it all disappear,” Kerem and Carlos sing on ‘Here’s To The Death Of Hard Graft’. ‘Untitled’ has a pop at the mainstream media too, as does ‘My TV Sucks’. Obviously there’s the odd drinking reference too (‘Pub No 1’ anyone?) with ‘Our Way’ also having a decent message – as well as being a great song.
The Foamers are best listened to with the volume up and a pint in your hand. There are enough hooks to make Peter Pan’s foe look inadequate and even though I probably wouldn’t have bought this, I’m glad it’s now in my collection.
Released on Household Name Records
Paul