supergrass, road to rouen
Cast your minds back a decade, or ask your older siblings if you can't quite remember that far back. In 1995 there was a similar optimism about the British music scene as there has been for the past twelve months, in fact some have compared the healthiness of 2005 with that of Brit Pop in the mid nineties. Fast forward ten years and the only ones left standing are Oasis, all be it with a much changed line up, and Supergrass, with there membership and credibility totally unscaved. Whereas the Gallagher brothers and there much changed bunch of band mates have experienced the highs and lows that rock n’ roll stardom can throw in your direction and found their music to fluctuate accordingly, the Oxfordshire boys have consistently produced strong albums that have been illuminated by a succession of fantastic singles. This saw the inevitable and well-deserved greatest hits package in 2004: and now they've earnt the right to experiment.
This exploration of sounds doesn't alter their ability to write blinding singles though as St. Petersburg proves, a catchy, acoustic based track that has an air of Badly Drawn Boy about it in the mould of 'Something to Talk About'. 'Sad Girl', 'Road to Rouen' and 'Kick in the Teeth' would also make for good singles, the latter as it is the one track on the album that has flash backs to what you may be used to from past material. 'St Petersburg, gives some clues as to what to expect later on during the record, 'Low C' is very similar in sound, but this only tells half the story as to what is to come.
'Road to Rouen' does appear to be the album that finally reflects the bands diverse record collection. It is a real mix bag of sounds, styles and influences and you can hear flashes from a number of decades and genres. This album takes you on a journey where you never quite know what you'll find round the next corner. Classic soul, folk and sixties pop have all been drawn from, I even spotted a bit of the early eighties British alternative scene that the likes of the Killers may well have enjoyed in their youth.
We also are treated to some majestic instrumentation that includes horns and strings, all of which would have seemed a million miles away when Supergrass were first catapulted on to 'Top of the Pops' with their cheeky Brit pop anthem 'Alright'. By their own admission they’ve grown up and matured and this is the start of a new chapter in their career. Approach this album with an open mind and you won’t be disappointed.