The band do go to certain lengths in the press release for this album to disassociate themselves with anything to do with The Doors or the major supermarket chain. However ironic/comical it might be to think that the retail giant would be selling copies of this record, it's highly unlikely. Back when The Morrisons first formed the chain was known as Safeway anyway. The year was 1986 and their sound fitted in with the now legendary C86 scene, and they can even add John Peel giving them a spin to their list of indie credentials (a flexidisc no less!). Following a break in the '90s, the current line-up have released five albums in the last ten years. This is no nostalgia trip or quick reunion, this is a current band in full swing, simply one that have been treading the boards for a while.
The amount of new material released shows that there's no lack of creative talent in the band, and 'Morrisons Brew' doesn't sell you short either; there are thirteen tracks here, all of which conform to the ideals the band most likely had when they first formed (and I was a mere six-year-old). The sound is classic, traditional British guitar-pop that fits any indie or C86 tags you may wish to plaster on it. There's no way you can accuse The Morrisons of being revivalists though, this is what they've always done. So you can look forward to fairly minimal (but not lo-fi) production, songs that are made from simple guitars and beats; there's no showmanship here, and also plenty of golden melodies and pop tunes. It may be an album that's low on surprises, but it makes up for this in consistency.
They begin with a highlight in 'Arrow In Your Heart', and other particularly strong tracks include the brassy 'Storm', 'Look At You' and the '60s jangle of '1000 Miles Away' which could be nicked off a Nuggets compilation. Tracks like 'Rainy Day', 'Do I Care' and the lovely 'Back To The Start' (plus many more) help to ease the concentration needed for a record with so many songs by adding some sweet female backing vocals for diversity. Extra variety also helps break up the record without losing too much cohesion with the addition of slower tunes such as 'Captured In A Jar', the folky 'So Sad So Mad' and even the country-tinged 'I Still Like You'. There's (as is often the case) another highlight saved for last. The folky and reflective 'Secret Place' rounds things of nicely. These great survivors are showing no signs of standards slipping just yet.
The Morrisons' website
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