In Spite Of Everytyhing - Vinyl

Description

Decorated in their home country with a pair of No. 1s in the critics’ and sales charts, this flagship quartet of 1990s British indie rock had chosen the path of ambition rather than the stadium route, before bowing out. Reforming the band without Martin Carr but with his blessing in 2022, Simon ‘Sice’ Rowbottom (vocals), Time Brown (bass) and Rob Cieka (drums) have preserved its spirit and musical richness while also allowing themselves a certain freedom, with songwriting now a collective effort. The first of their new records to be properly distributed in France, this 9th album is marked by a real chiaroscuro, of which Living is Easy is undoubtedly the cornerstone, written by Tim after the loss of his eldest son. If the torments of grief (Song for Natalie as well), narcissism (Hey I Know, Solarcide), or betrayal (Affected / Rejected, Do Better / Know Better) run through the album, the inspirations are sometimes lighter (on King Budgie or the clear-cut Bring Them Back Again). In its bonus version, this new album includes a Live at La Maroquinerie in the form of a best-of recorded during their French tour in autumn 2025, bearing witness to a real pleasure in playing, with the sound and vocals always up to the mark. Their return at the end of October for a series of French dates will not only make it possible to rediscover the hits from the Wake Up / Giants Steps era, but also no doubt to see that the new songs can find their place in this top-tier repertoire.