The Universal’s self titled indie/mod collection mirrors the plight not only of the individual mod, but also of the scene itself, from one of teenage angst and aggression to a more controlled and mature sensibility.
The beginning trio of ‘Revolution’ ‘Shine On’ and ‘Day in Day out’ are from the same stable and are powered with elements of 90’s Oasis as well as the usual 60’s mod suspects (Who, Small Faces etc).
Then comes ‘Volcano’ one of the only songs in a minor key, which gives a glimpse of emotional maturity more prominent late on in the record. This peaks in star track ‘Can You Feel It’ which benefits from the extra mood generated by organ and more careful use of guitars.
Similarly ‘I Believe’ benefits from the extra vocal reverb, slower pace, use of differing rhythm’s, more imaginative guitar sounds and wiser song structure.
Appreciation of these two songs is tainted, through knowing they are capable of the mature emotional content and subtlety, which appears too infrequently. The tight, raw aggression can wear a bit thin.
Having seen them live it wasn’t surprising to see/hear the same ballsy attitude and gusto make its way onto the record, especially in the impressive, startlingly Weller-esque vocals.
The record is less intense in atmosphere than they are live, a bit flat. The bass could be heavier, guitars wider, to translate the live vibe. The soul infusing female backing vocals are a plus point throughout – they are used well.
Its obvious that in song construction (mostly) the melodies have arrived first, and the nearest available cliché about either light, fire, torches, fight, shining and burning are used to pad it out. Not to mention rising up, shouting, making it, revolution against the fakers who will all fall down/away.
The energy which powers their songs and ethos is in abundance and is admirable, and is their greatest asset, but it needs to be understood and articulated more lyrically. Without thought it generates all the afore-mentioned boring clichés and bad rhymes like ‘get some revolution…shine on…everybody shine on…there’s a fire, I ain’t no liar’ etc
As an album it does flow and has depth, but a question lingers, of whether they are musically ten years late, or just being true to their undying mod principle. The irony is that when the move away from the principles they sound more accomplished.
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