If they’re done properly, concept albums can be an awful lot of fun – and rest assured, Pepe Deluxé have invested a lot of effort in making sure this pop opera, which includes a Great Stalacpipe Organ (no sniggering at the back there), work an absolute treat. It’s not at all pretentious, which helps – rather the story unfolds with a good deal of funk and some extremely serviceable riffs, not to mention a cracking chorus or three. ‘Go Supersonic’ is an absolute cracker, plucked as if straight from the mid 1970s, while ‘A Night And A Day’ is a great bit of underwater funk. The great organ comes in to play later on, and sounds suitably majestic, but it all adds to the enjoyment. There are madcap moments of psychedelia, but that shouldn’t detract from what is an incredibly well thought out album. The artwork and story tops it off – I’ll not spoil it for you, but it’s safe to say that hours of enjoyment and listening pleasure await!
5 out of 5
Reviewed By Ben Hogwood
