Album review by; DeeDee
Under the influence of Slyder Smith, three quarters of ‘The Last Great Dreamers’, have branded themselves as ‘Slyder Smith & The Oblivion Kids’ for a new project and written a debut album entitled ‘Charm Offensive’. Slyder has said this has been a labour of love and over the last year he’s been working on developing his musical capabilities, stretching himself not only on guitar but with his vocals as well. This album with Rik Pratt on drums and bassist Tim Emery, is the culmination of Slyder, writing not only heartfelt and emotional songs, but also uplifting and carefree numbers, that give this album a range of contrast and depth.
‘El Encantador’ translates into English as ‘The Enchanter’ and who could deny Slyder this title! It’s an instrumental introduction, 39 seconds with a ‘Spaghetti Western’ influence, that leads into the first full track. A jaunt of a song, bouncing with energetic lyrics and quick-fire rhythm, ’Calico Queen’ is a little gem. Messy and having more dramatic overtones, on ‘I’m Done’, Slyder provides full rasping vocals and there’s a groovy and funky punch about it. One of the singles already available, ‘When The Rain Comes’ with its catchy chorus, hits you immediately. Bursting with flavoured melody and delightful guitar, it’s definitely one that adheres. The ‘Dreamers’ track ‘Crash Landing In Teenage Heaven’ is given a makeover, slower and languishing on every note, it works brilliantly. Have to adore the duet with Nina Courson (Healthy Junkies) on ‘Maya’, it’s a touching high flyer with loads of lush harmonies and ‘Beatle’ like chords see it through to the end.
Pouncing on us next is the new single ‘Pleasure Victim’, a piece that harks back to early ‘Last Great Dreamers’ days in style. Bashing Rock and Roll without a care in the world, then there’s a screaming guitar, whooping up midway that’s as cool as f**k. ‘Hope Without Warning’ is lower in tone and the deepness is dominated by Slyders' vocals. Another superb guitar solo pops up to break it up and then the harmonies and chords pulsate, adding warmth. ‘Oblivion Kids’ is another ‘LGD’ song that Slyder has re-mixed. It’s more controlled than the original, but still holds all the attitude and you have to join in with those “Whoa, Whoa’s”. As we reach the finale ’El Encantador’ is repeated as the introduction for ‘No More Mr Bad Guy’, which is a continuation of the song. Wonderful guitar and I can’t help likening it to something ‘The Shadows’, would have done, really classic sounding stuff.
Neil Scully provides the keys, that include Hammond Organ and Piano. Another impressive addition is Pete Brown playing a 1950’s Phillicord, which is a valve organ that probably provides all that reverb. He is also is heard on Lap Steel and Banjo, so there are sounds you may not of heard before or not for a few years anyway. Pete ( George Harrison, Sam Brown, The Smiths, Marc Almond ) also produced ‘Charm Offensive’, which you can listen to, again and again, discovering something new on each occasion. Top Hats off to Mr Smith and ensemble, this is a piece of work I hope you are genuinely proud of.
5/5
Highlights - Calico Queen, When The Rain Comes , Maya, Pleasure Victim.
Track Listing;
El Encantador
Calico Queen
I’m Done
When The Rain Comes
Crash Landing In Teenage Heaven
I Don’t Want To Run
Maya
Pleasure Victim
Road Love
Hope Without Warning
Never Ending Story
Oblivion Kids
El Encantador (Reprise)
No More Mr Bad Guy
Pre-order the album here out on August 19th 2022 through Ray Records.
Available on 12” black vinyl, Digipak CD and digital.
Distributed worldwide via Cargo Records UK.
The band will be on the road at the end of August, supporting The Electric Boys on their UK leg of their ‘Ups!de Down’ tour.
