AMOR *****
Paradise / In Love An Arc (Night School)
Fine Glasgow label releases fine questing disco record from bunch of moonlighting Glasgow mates. As much arthouse as dancefloor, both songs here push 14 minutes, with rubbery double bass, sporadic piano sunshine and Scottish weirdo hero Richard Youngs’ madly ecstatic vocals. Out of time, and way too short. WS
FAR OUT MONSTER DISCO ORCHESTRA ***
Vendetta (Far Out)
A fitting selection for lengthy, flamboyant summer parties, this one really goes out of the way to adhere to its name. Depending on which mix you listen to, you’ll be subjected to abundant rhythmic ornamentation over slightly off-the-wall string textures and a very characteristic disco beat. Interesting, but repetitive, astonishingly repetitive! CPI
JOHN MOUSE ****
Tough day For The Trains (Crocfinger)
It’s always good to know there’s someone out there who cares. John Mouse’s paean to the British rail network gently humanises trains who “don’t know they’re getting old”. Jangling Johnny Marr-esque guitar chords sit on top of motor-rhythmic drums and organs that sound like engine whistles. A charming look at beleaguered Britain. JPD
THEM DEAD BEATS ****
Hang On A Second (Bywyd)
The most refreshing thing about Hang On A Second isn’t that Them Dead Beats are a two-piece band with the sonic force of twice that number – see The White Stripes and Royal Blood. It’s the range of music they cram into a five-song EP. Their varied garage-rock sound bursts from the speakers with the ferocity of their live shows. JPD