The Voom Blooms - Politics And Cigarettes (Fiction) Reviewed By Steve Rudd

Here we have some truly beautiful music, from a band that only got together early in 2005, and that is based in Loughborough. This, their debut single, is a classic and builds on the star-gazing sounds that were unleashed via their much-sought-after London Heads demo. A quartet fronted by George Guildford, The Voom Blooms are masters of melody creation, and their Politics And Cigarettes tune is fittingly forced to stand out due to its seductive melody.

It's a mid-paced gem that ambles along in style, before a rock drum-beat explodes the ensuing tension to tantalising effect - and boy is there mouth-watering soul in George's singing. Craig Monk is the token guitar maestro, whilst Brett Young busts some jaw-snappingly deft moves on bass, leaving Thom Mackie to hold his own on the drums. They've been understandably championed by Radio 1 DJ Steve Lamacq, and the band itself in turn champions the Make Poverty History campaign with a vengeance (check out the band website for proof).

Producing shimmering indie-gilded rock 'n' roll tunes with a twist, The Voom Blooms have supported such outfits as Hull's own Paddingtons and Babyshambles. And it isn't just their A-side that's a life-affirming joy, as this single's B-side in Thoughts Of Rena is another little masterpiece that revolves around a magical melody carved out by the Monk; a melody that is enigmatically framed by Young's soundscape-stirring bass-line. The music arouses emotions in a similar way to Coldplay's, and there's something about the vibrant sound of The Voom Blooms that whole-heartedly reminds of The Killers' vibes, too. This in mind, the prospect of indulging in Politics And Cigarettes has never been so alluring.

www.thevoomblooms.com Email james@caughtinthecrossfire.com. for more info.

Album Reviews - Billy Bragg - Billy Bragg Volume 1 (Cooking Vinyl) Reviewed By Steve Rudd
	An essential purchase for hardcore BB fans as well as those people who might have heard just a few of his songs but who dare to delve further into the life and times of Billy Bragg, this release is a box set comprising seven CDs and a couple of DVDs. In and amongst Billy Bragg Volume 1 there are four of Billy's earliest and greatest albums, which are Life's A Riot Read more...

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Album Reviews - Teddy Geiger Stepladder EP By Jimmy Reed
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Music, Columns - Andy Tullock's Music Column January 2006
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