Family Amusement - Misty's Big Adventure Album Review

Misty's Big Adventure

Album Review

Comedian Dave Gorman's favourite group is not their only claim to fame Misty's Big Adventure have been paving their own brand of comedic ska-pop around for several years now and even have a classic single in 'Fashion Parade' .

Grandmaster Gareth's dead pan vocal delivery versus the sunny disposition of the music is what stands MBA out from the pack and this is another opportunity for the Birmingham gang to let loose all of their creativities into the musical universe. Usually these ideas are only gathered into the listening minds of the left of centre mindset, which is a grand shame as so many are missing out on Erotic Volvo's live show. Though for those not in the loop, Erotic Volvo is obviously the band's blue eight limbed mascot.

Musically 'Family Amusement' shares much in the way as a rock-opera, inspired by community and a hope for a less corporate media obsessed life. The grand production of 'I See a Cloud' shows the bravery of the eight piece never afraid to try any genre but somehow always being very MBA. For a band that is far more 'indie' that 86% of the band at this year's 'Camden Crawl' the overall production on the record is lush and vibrant where a more garage sound would be forgiven. At times the genre splicing melting pot fails to create the desired delight, like on 'The Noise Eater' and 'Queen Betty' but again hats off to the band for at least attempting the remarkable in a world where so many acts are so damn scared of being dropped that they just walk the Snow Patrol/ watered down Oasis avenue until they reach their own dead end. And not many can say they ever had the legend that is the 'Games Master' and astrologer Sir Patrick Moore as a guest collaborator.

An always interesting album from a more than interesting unique band, not all of it works and it will certainly not be a cross over album. But surely an album that will please their forever patient fan base.

Francis Jolley