 Gay Dad Leisure Noise
| |
In Leisure Noise, Gay Dad have a debut that rises above England's current post-Radiohead drama club. This new London quintet, fronted by former Mojo contributor Cliff Jones, presents an ambitious vision of classic rock befitting an ex-rock critic: Tom Petty oldies performed by Smashing Pumpkins and remixed by Stereolab. Yet the ingeniously named act has more going for it than cheeky pop academics. Jones is classic rock-star material, and although he often strains too hard when pumping up the vocal volume, his cherubic looks, combined with the band's playful guitar anthems and subversive power ballads, suggest what the Goo Goo Dolls might be like if they had more than one tune. From Read More the swagger of "Joy!" to the sweetness of "Oh Jim," Gay Dad's well-conceived introduction comes out loud and proud with plenty of 'em. (RS 821) BARRY WALTERS
|