The Black Box Revelation - Silver Threats

If Kasabian took down their Screamadelica-style electro decorations, what would be at the core? Alternatively, what would it sound like if Liam Gallagher fronted Buddy Guy’s live band, his iconic whine backed up by bolshie Chicago blues? Well, the answer is Brussels’ Black Box Revelation, don’t cha know. On Run Wild, Jan Paternoster yelps like a Belgian translation of Raw Power, occupying the wholly unique territory between Messers Pop and Poirot. Elsewhere, the quality control is less stringent (5 O’ Clock Turn Back the Time is unfortunately reminiscent of The Vines), but the adolescent charm of You Better Get In Touch With The Devil is more than enough to forgive them for any lapses. As a two piece, this stripped down roots-rock, like that of The White Stripes, is probably a dish best served live. Nevertheless, Silver Threats makes for straightforward, irony-free listening, and fills a certain Gallagher-shaped hole in the market. [Joe Barton]