The Petrols had been on the rise with their first two albums but the differing styles on their third record End of The Millenium Psychosis Blues had meant the record had not performed as well their first two (it’s well worth your time you can have a read here https://www.albumsin200words.co.uk/post/143-that-petrol-emotion-end-of-the-millennium-psychosis-blues)
Guitarist and songwriter John O’Neill had quit the band after the record and brother Damian O’Neill moved over to guitar and John Marchini was drafted in on bass. To lose a songwriter like O’Neill would hinder most bands but luckily Damian stepped up and guitarist Raymond Gorman, and drummer Ciaran McLaughlin were growing in confidence as the band delivered twelve self-penned tracks.
Four singles were released from the album (Hey Venus opens the record educated pop with a soaring vocal from Steve Mack. Sensitize has a recurring riff joyous to the ear, Tingle takes the band to a lower groove and a guitar solo that is perfect and the opening single Abandon that storms in with heavy hitting drums and goes off on one from the start). None of them made the top forty, of course they bloody didn’t. as Timmy Mallett Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini made number one at this time. Yes, folks let’s not forget that Timmy Mallett has had a UK number one and the Petrols never even made the top forty once, and we claim music back then was better, it maybe was but we didn’t always buy the right ones.
We all know I am giving this a ten as for me it’s one of my favourite albums ever but some of you may have shockingly never heard it. Now I would suggest you listen to the whole record but if you are unsure try the final track Sweet Shiver Burn. It’s a beautiful ballad, Steve Mack delivers a passionate vocal, he was not going to be outshone and was now a top front man. Everyone should know this song and once that has seduced you then enjoy of the rest of the record.
Scum Sufin’ is awash with guitars as Mack steps back and the four musicians go for it, from two minutes in when they explode then drop a level as Mack returns, more inventiveness in four and a half minutes than some bands can manage over an entire record. Blue to Black is sinister and dirty and Another Day starts bright and cheerful before the riffs dig into your soul.
For me there are four records I cannot decide which is the greatest, London Calling, Hex Enduction Hour, The Queen is Dead or Chemicrazy. I don’t need to decide I love them all, but I can hazard a guess that many who read this will not have heard Chemicrazy. Do yourselves a favour and listen and then agree it’s magnificent.
10/10
GIVE IT A STREAM: Scum Surfin’
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