270) The Fall - Ersatz GB

Album twenty-nine arrives and we have a hat trick, yep same line up for the third record in a row, this is unheard of, Mark still clearly in charge but comfortable with his bandmates.

Kieren Melling launches us into the album with a thorough workout of his drum kit on Cosmos 7 as Mark growls, snarls, and yelps, not a lot there but an energetic start, Taking Off, Mark is much higher in the mix, and you can understand him. Its relentless, the Fall are rocking out and in a groove on this track and Pete Greenway is inventive with his guitar on Nate Will Not Return that locks inside your head, enjoyable but maybe we do not need six minutes of it.

Mask Search is The Fall doing rockabilly not a lot there, but he manages to slags Snow Patrol. Then we have the bizarre Greenway with a simple piano and Mark sounding as if he is gargling on gravel before the band come in like a thrash American band. Thrash metal is not my thing, but it’s not unlistenable, in fact it grows on you each time you listen.

Happi Song I am not sure if Eleni is channelling her inner Nico, after the barrage of heavy sound so far, it’s a pleasant change in style and pace.

Monocard has a lovely subtle shift two minutes in, but Mark is back to growling and it’s the music that’s more interesting as the band stretch out with some swirling electronics and heavy riffs.

Laptop Dog is not quite so heavy, solid drums from Melling again and an almost jangly guitar throughout with primitive keys, Mark is restrained and is a reminder of earlier Fall.

I’ve Seen Them Come is if you love The Fall what you expect six minutes of repetitiveness to hook you in or if you have only a passing interest in the band a way to long repetitive noise. It’s not a classic but each subsequent listen brought me further in,  especially the chant like backing vocals and Greenways’ guitar goes round in my head.

Age of Chang Mark is in fine vocal with the band shouting “Time for Change” with the way he usually treats bandmates you would think they would maybe be worried for their future.

Reading back and after several listens this is a The Fall’s heavy metal album, not as immediate Your Future Our Clutter for me and not a classic but would it shock you if I said it is worth your time.

6.25/10

GIVE IT A STREAM: Taking Off