In which one of Dunfermline's finest indie bands go into the studio, set up, record some of their finest songs, and leave the studio less than 24 hours later with their new album done and dusted. Judging by how good this album is, it's a wonder that many other bands don't do the same thing. Injecting all the power, passion, energy and electricity that the band pour out in concert, into 19 tracks that are “live in the studio” proves to be absolute winner of an idea. The first two tracks alone - “Whizzkid” and “Suck It Up” - simply erupt into life, everything you could want from a band that exude all the best that a mix of bands such as The Jam, Dr Feelgood, The Who and The Clash. The tracks roar along with the dual guitars blazing away as the Weller-on-fire vocals provide the meat of the song while you just can't help being carried along in their wake, the songs proving totally and inexorably catchy as they leave their mark, the sort of songs to which you not only leap around the room every time you hear them, but that you know are going to be played long, loud and often – and, for just the first two tracks on the album, you're utterly hooked. “Please Don't Go” continues the flavour, this time with a greater surge to the guitar riffs, still the lead guitar ringing out as the rhythm section keep up the hot pace and the vocals are more urgent. The speed of the track leaves you positively breathless but when they launch into the track's chorus, you're there and smiling as you leap about the place with an even greater smile on your face than before, revelling in the mighty catchy mod-like nature of it all. “Dave G” doesn't allow things to cool down and this one's a slice of infectious song-writing genius with a massive hook, great verses, arguably the best song The Jam never wrote, features some sparking lead guitar fire, solid bass, crunching drums, resonant rhythm guitars and the lead and harmony vocals delivering a slice of mod-rock that's so commercial, you're left wondering why the thing's not a massive number one song country-wide. “Oldskool” starts with pounding bass, crisp percussives, a swirl of guitars that sounds positively psychedelic and then drives into this stomping rhythm as the guitar riffs bounce and the multi-harmony vocals provide a seriously catchy song with all the life, excitement and energy, not to mention commercial appeal, that you could ever have hoped to hear from the greats of the past such s Dave Edmunds, The Jam and sixties Who, the remarkable thing, as with all the tracks on this album, being just how fresh and contemporary sounding they all are, as well as the fact that every track is one you just want to play over and over again.
“Change Your Ways” provides the album's first “respite” as a wry observational and heartfelt pleading lyric is given the acoustic treatment on an emotive ballad which proves beyond doubt that the band has a soul as well as a beating heart.
The lightning energy levels then kick back into gear for a steaming hot rendition of “9 Clicks”, led by searing lead guitar as the fast-paced multi-harmony vocals launch the song into a rapid-fire lead vocal that fires the verses into the song's awesomely catchy chorus as the rhythm section blaze and the guitar riffs burn on another fast-paced stunner, the band exuding all the passion and power of their live performances in one remarkable studio one-take album. “Good To Go” continues the excitement and enjoyment in spades with really choppy, solid rhythms, possessing a chorus to die for, amid a surge of lead guitar, throbbing bass, pounding drums, epic rhythm guitar riffs and another biting vocal that leads the song firmly into your head and refuses to leave. “Charlie Brown” provides a few moments of acoustic repose with another heartfelt thought-provoking ballad, bluesy harmonica adding that late-night feel, and a taut vocal that delivers the story-telling lyric with deceptively dark angst and sardonic humour, as crisp acoustic guitars provide the melody. Finally, the album ends with “String 'em Up”, another urgent vocal set over roaring rhythms, driving guitars and muscular melodies, the song twisting and turning to perfection as the verses are delivered with emotive passion. Then it ends – and all you're left with is the urge to play the whole lot one more time – it really is that awesome. The band come up with a winner and one of the best albums of its kind around today.