I know it isn’t particularly ‘this minute’ to like Razorlight anymore – that when asked what we think we are supposed to affect ennui and to comment that they are derivative, that Johnny Borrell is a sneering egotistical wannabe, that they are far too Shoreditch, and like all good trend watching Londoners, we are so over Shoreditch. But, dammit, I really like the song ‘Somewhere Else’, their new single (watch the video here - although you will have to register with the site first) . Poppy, upbeat and totally disposable, it still manages to have an edge. And when your disposable candy floss looks as fine as Johnny does in the video, who’s complaining? A shaggier, almost feral version of Vernon Kay, he sports full lips and lovely cheekbones, and can therefore be forgiven his mouthing off about being a music scene supremo almost before he was discovered. (Comparing himself to Dylan – what breathtakingly arrogant style.)
In addition to which they recorded their initial demo in the famous Toerag studio in Hackney, and immortalise my favourite borough further in their song ‘Don’t go back to Dalston’, which is allegedly begging Pete Doherty not to go there for a fix.
So: lyrics which are forgettable, guitar riffs which will set days in the park in the still-trying-to-break-through-summer off beautifully, and a sultry front man. I think I smell a new favourite song….
You know Gabby’s best mate is going out with the lead singer, I think he was born back home or lived there.. I was supposed to have met up with them on several occasions at gigs but never liked their stuff enough to be arsed to be a trashie groupie. If you want signed underwear, just ask.
Mmmmm… Signed underwear… Is he really another (ahem) superstar in the ilk of (ahem) Christ Martin, Bruce Groebelar and Thandi Newton, who has sprung from our once-fertile soils? Wow – how illustrious are we?