SINGLE OF THE WEEK

Codeine Velvet Club: Vanity Kills (Island)

It comes to something when single of the week is from a band that features one of the Fratellis, albeit it as one half of an Alex Turner/Miles Kane type partnership that has brought about the release of an album that – actually – isn’t all that bad at all. Jon Fratelli and Lou Hickey have come up trumps with an upbeat vaudeville number that camps around for three and a half minutes before leaving without outstaying its welcome – a perfect tonic for a dreary Monday afternoon.

Paramore: Brick By Boring Brick (Fueled By Ramen)

I’ve never been one of those who “get” Paramore. Maybe it’s because I’m not the kind of person who gets the whole teen-angst, emo, Twilight-esque thing. There was a time, however, when I thought 30 Seconds To Mars’ last album was brilliant, and I’d probably have enjoyed Brick By Boring Brick back in the day. Sadly, I now know better. It’s alright, but just doesn’t do enough to be memorable and warrant further listens.

We Were Promised Jetpacks: It’s Thunder And It’s Lightning (Fat Cat)

In a similar vein to Paramore, it’s the turn of one of Scotland’s buzz bands to drown us in angst-ridden music. “Your body was black and blue” they scream, before launching into a breakdown that is probably impressive live, but lacking something on record. It’s a shame too, because the first half of the song does its level best to be listenable – but that finale really undoes all of the hardwork that precedes it.

The Rifle Volunteer: End Season (Too Pure)

I’ve no idea what it is about mid to late November, but it doesn’t half make people release depressing music. This time it’s the turn of the Rifle Volunteer, who spend nearly four minutes moaning incomprehensibly before changing pace slightly and wailing. It’s at this point that you start to lose faith in music and consider becoming a librarian instead.

The Answer: Comfort Zone (Albert Productions)

When a song begins with the words “work all day, come back home, get a little older” you really have to despair. Especially if the three songs you’ve listened to previously have tried their best to push you towards breaking point. It’s unusual too, as the Answer are more well-known for their particular brand of noughties hair metal – and it isn’t long until they pick themselves up for a slightly rousing chorus. Normal service is resumed all too quickly though, and we slow things down for each verse before giving up altogether. There’s elements of Guns N Roses’ epic November Rain at times, but in the end it doesn’t even come close.