Computerclub - Before The Walls Came Down

On first impressions, the omens for this song are worrying. Combining elements of two fellow Birmingham bands – the Ian Curtis-esque vocals of Editors and the expansive guitars of the Twang –the potential is there for Beth Ditto-sized, ear-shredding disaster. But now for the good news: unlike the former they are no mere copyists, and unlike the latter actually have a modicum of talent.

The vocal talents of singer Paul Hampton are backed by the kind of towering riff usually reserved for World Cup anthems, and whilst the similarities to the Brummie doom-merchants in particular are inescapable, it’s largely irrelevant when this tune is catchier than a dose of the clap. Join their club.