The Holloways - So This Is Great Britain

The Holloways have toured with oft-absent Babyshambles - and purvey a jolly shambles similar to Pete D.'s reinvention of mythical Albion. In spite of infectious hooks, a smattering of violin and articulate lyrics, The Holloways are conservative and patronising. Their sound, which snatches from calypso, African music, folk and classic bands like Madness is cheerfully dated, and their lyrics mistake the streets of the capital for the whole of Great Britain. Had the Holloways been content to remain a sing-along party band, their attempts at big statements might be less jarring. Malcontented One stabs at English alienation expressed more memorably by Morrisey; Reinvent Myself is a childish complaint while Fit for a Fortnight can't decide whether it is a love song or a lonely hearts' advert. They cover the same territory as the Artic Monkeys, albeit with less humour and regional identity. This is a London record: the surface is fun and speedy, the good humour disguises a self-righteous grumpiness and multi-culturalism is a façade for self-regard. [Gareth K Vile]