"Slapping a smile on your face"

AS the hedge fund of time short-sells the pension scheme of destiny, it seems like there's doom and gloom around every news bulletin.

But if you're looking to take a much-needed break from the depressing, well, depression – then Derbyshire's Burdock are the people to slap a grin back on your face.

Describing themselves with self-effacing accuracy as purveyors of 'tongue-in-cheek punky-pop fun' their third album You're Never Dressed Without A Smile is ready to hit the streets.

The record's been available as download only for some time, but now gets the full CD treatment.

It kicks off with the insanely-catchy Chopper, a track detailing a fond affection for the classic 1970's pushbike, and which bounces like a cheque from Woollies.

The album's probably more pop than punk, with songs here nodding in the general direction of The Undertones and, especially on Too Good To Be True, Ash.

But the quartet is not just about feel-good power pop, the powerful Typical Me feels like Radiohead's Creep and there's a nice line in sardonic, self-deprecating lyrics, as evidenced by titles like Sick of Myself.

It's the grin-enducing energy of the album that comes to the fore though, so slap this on the hi-fi before you leave home and you'll never be caught out commiting a fashion faux pas.

PHILFY PHIL
• You're Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile is available to download via iTunes, Napster and Amazon.
• For more details about the CD version, visit the band's websites at www.burdockweb.co.uk or www.myspace.com/burdocktheband.
• Burdock can be found playing live at Derby's Rockhouse on Friday, January 30..

(Posted on the 28th Jan 2009)