Sireena Records
Review by Jason Barnard
Strange Brew favourite Paul Roland revisits his past with with a new expanded and retouched version of his long sought after debut album “The Werewolf of London”.
Originally released under the guise of Midnight Rags in 1980, Paul recorded this long player when he was just 19. However, despite his tender age the tracks already show an artist at his peak. Paul’s lyrical themes right from the start showed a ghoulish pop sensibility, approaching the horror he read in comics and literature during his teenage years, head on.
The strength of his writing quickly created a stir on the music scene with gothic album opener “Blades of Battenburg” picked up by John Peel. “Lon Chaney” and “Flying Ace” are vintage acoustic Roland, the former on the strange story of a silent film star whilst the latter is a historical vignette of a World War One pilot. “Brain Police” shifts gear, out gunning Gary Numan with its topical look at the KGB and CIA psychic war.
[tubepress video=LQKntLligCo]
This new package brings in other excellent tracks from the period including the Andy Ellison produced single “Dr Strange”. Robyn Hitchcock also features on “The Puppet Master” as well as the memorable “Mad Elaine” contributing backwards slide guitar.
Finally a special mention must go to the infectious Bolan-esque stomper “Jack Daniels”. As Paul playfully utters “Bye, Bye” listeners will be saying “Hello” as they give this platter yet another spin. Taken together they are a great chance to hear yet another side to this multifaceted artist.
Thanks a lot for this discoverery and have a nice end of year !