Fireworks Night - As Fools We Are

As Fools We Are boasts delicate arrangements, sensitive instrumentation and a creative use of modern and traditional sounds. However, in James Leslie, they have a vocalist who appears to carry ambitions beyond his ability. In opener Favours For Favours he barely holds the notes - by Dirty Acts Done Publicly he scales heights of pretension that would make Jim Morrison blush. His sensitivity is tentative, his passion seems contrived and even the whimsical support of Briony Greenhill can't stop him ruining the subtle crescendos and full-bodied attacks of superb musicians. The words are hackneyed romanticism, and Leslie is as inept in seduction as in melodrama. His orchestration is eclectic, and the band is at home with melancholy and fiery passion: unfortunately, the frontman has all the polish of the washed-up music hall he attempts to evoke. A valiant escape from mundane guitar rock, but the band will remain also-rans for as long as Leslie plays out his torch singer fantasies. [Gareth K Vile]