ALBUM REVIEW, ALLGIGS.CO.UK - 05 NOVEMBER 2009

Arthur Walker is a band, not a solo artist.

This Plymouth alt-rock outfit have been shaking up the local scene for some time now. Often compared to The Pixies and in some cases The Artic Monkeys, their brand of disjointed edgy rock is pulling in attention across the board. The trendy music mags will probably drool over them. Certain DJs will certainly tracklist them, so their future is in the hands of the gods. One thing's for sure, at some stage they'll be at Glasto, and doing rather well. I bet they're a hot live band too.

There are signs of real potential, especially when you hear the deeply melodic My Headphone Attracts, giving a slight nod to Razorlight. They can mix'n'match, which is always a good sign. More maturity emerges of the rough hewed Hello Medicine, again with some fine melodies without wandering off the point too much until they embark on some kind of 'jam' ending with a whopping chorus t'boot.

Nifty Face Ache is far too teeny and wandering for my palette, but the bulk is quite acceptable. Easing off the pedal, Monkey Freeze is more straightforward pop-fare for them, though they can't help themselves dropping in some quirky bits.

Elly Roberts