Paul Vickers and The Leg - Tropical Favourites

Having been personally invited to John Peel's funeral, yet having to hitchhike and blag accommodation en route, Paul Vickers of Scottish 'wonk rock' outfit Dawn of the Replicants exemplifies critical acclaim and commercial success not always being cosy bedfellows. Times may be tough but, on Tropical Favourites, Vickers is in no hurry to trade in some artistic kudos for a quick buck. The scratchy garage discord of opening gambit Umbrella Propella or the following Wild Geese, where lullaby harmonies meet oompa-like dynamics, sets the kitchen sink blueprint. Baroque becomes barnstorming and barroom shanties stumble out onto cold, miserable streets, as Vickers carelessly spits out barbs of wry wisdom to huddled passers-by. "Darling, your pony has died, and you'll never get to heaven because I have enquired," he snarls on Tears For Smokey. Obscurity remains a dead cert then, but those listening can only be grateful that this Replicant isn't ready for 'retirement' yet. [Darren Carle]