The Blow Monkeys
Album: If Not Now, When?
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 10
Website: http://www.theblowmonkeys.com/

When they weren't in thrall to The Style Council and mincing around as socialist white soul socialites, the original mid-80s Blow Monkeys had a then touching penchant for all things Bolan, particularly the final incarnation of T-Rex as some kind of glitter-soul machine. Dr Robert had a suitably sibilant vocal style and the band came on like syn drum-wielding 80s updates of Finn, Currie, Took et al.

Since their reunion in 2008 the band have already notched up the aptly named and deservedly well-received long players Devil's Tavern and Feels Like a New Morning, both of which to varying degrees extended the relaxed rustic soul feel of Robert's solo works.

This follow up adds more of the stardust of yore to the mix, finding the chutzpah to let it rock on tracks like The Guessing Game and The Sound Of Your Laughter, but also confident enough to take play with gospel chords on Stay Now (about the loss of Robert's father). The album closes with a peach of teen scene dream, Lions of Charing Cross, a timely lament for the changing face of hipster London.

If Not Now, When? is a bold, brassy assertion of a band that is very comfortable in its own skin, so much so that the opening track, OK! Have It Your Way, manages to provide some kind of boogie-soul sequel to their first hit, 1987's It Doesn't Have To Be This Way, complete with de rigeur agit-prop politics.

Nick Churchill
www.thegranvillechambers.co.uk