THE SLOW READERS CLUB
Knowledge Freedom Power (Velveteen)
Having previously reviewed The Slow Readers Club’s Joy Of The Return album and found it an enjoyable trip back to the 1980s, I was expecting more of the same from the Manchester group, but though Knowledge Freedom Power has the same cool sound, indeed the same smooth vocal, it feels fresher and more relevant. The dance club-esque bass of Modernise, album opener and lead single, foreshadows catchy melodies and thoughtful lyrics; Knowledge Freedom Power is a polished album that takes the listener down unexpected paths.
Between emotional highs there are more sombre moments: the heartfelt Lay Your Troubles On Me has mid-song bass drum smacks like punches in the chest, the synth-led title track is a jaunty little number, and What Might Have Been shows the versatility of singer Aaron Starkie’s voice. SLC can do no wrong and I could listen to this, their sixth studio recording, over and over.
words LYNDA NASH