AJ HOLMES AND THE HACKNEY EMPIRE

You get the feeling that Holmes and his crew are afforded royal status in the capital but little else outside the M25. Think Pulp, Blue Aeroplanes and The Fall and you'll be some distance closer to what this lot sound like. Lyrical smartness, intricate rhythms from the African continent (as well as ours) and a sense of fun should ensure sold-out gigs a-plenty. Thing is, the artwork suggests a tight budget and a frustrating lack of love and support. What is wrong with you? Kick out Martyn's Elephant Charm or Ghost Daddy or Ghost Retribution and it's late eighties Afro-pop fun all over again. There's a carnival waiting for Mr Holmes, book him now, his outfit is chipper.

This review also appeared also on Flipside Reviews.

Paul PLEDGER
23/07/2015