DENIS JONES – 3333 – THE STATE 51 CONSPIRACY

Denis Jones is an intriguing figure who works very much in the moment, sometimes creating songs as he performs them. To transfer this incredibly instinctive way of working to an album format is tricky, not to say risky, but ‘3333’ largely achieves his aim. He has been working in the basement of Manchester’s former Granada studios, the equipment from the TV company still largely intact – and so Jones has been able to use this to his advantage, together with an enviable contact book that allows him to call on the advice of Mr Scruff and 808 State’s Graham Massey when making the album. It makes a strong start, working the skewwhiff but catchy title track well in the company of LW, who also contributes to two other tracks on the album. Jones seems to have set himself an extra challenge by only allowing durations of 4:44, 3:33 and 2:22 – but it’s a challenge he rises to by cramming all sorts of material into the time available. The shuffling beats of ‘Don’t’ work well in this respect, and so does the more emotional ‘FSRP’, where Jones’ love of a bit of David Byrne reveals itself vocally. Something a bit different to challenge the senses, this is an album well worth getting to know.
 
Ben Hogwood
4 out of 5