Renton - Thumbprint Ep
by John Clarkson
published: 12 / 5 / 2004
Label:
Rebel Records
Format: CD
intro
Impressive second EP from new North London band Renton, which gives a new twist to the old post-punk sound
In the wake of the Strokes, brittle-sounding guitar bands are back in fashion. Like so many other acts in their peer group, new North London band Renton probably list Television, the Gang of Four and Wire amongst their influences. Yet, far from being just another poor photocopy of the originals, they have a personality and an authority that is very much of their own. The title of 'I'll Only Kiss You if Your Name is Jane Annabel Hitler', the first track on their new 'Thumbprint' EP, alone suggests that Renton are a group who don't take themselves too seriously, and indeed frontman Daniel Gigaseri frequently sets himself up a figure of waggish ridicule. "You take me places I don't want to go/You show me things I should never know" he shudders on this dynamic opener, his yodelling vocals reminiscent of the New York Dolls' David Johansen. The chipped, abrasive 'Conversations in the Dark', the last track on the album, meanwhile finds him trying to encourage his girlfriend to sort out him and their jaded relationship in 'Tom and Jerry' slapstick style and by thumping him. The stuttering 'Aerosol' breaks down halfway through into hand claps and a drum solo from drummer Ben Hutchinson before its original tune sparks up again. Swedish guitarist Per Sellberg's half scatty, half swaggering guitar lines also throughout carry their own unique stamp of individuality. The late 70's was a particulary melancholic time for music, with many of its protagonists portraying the world with a grey and bleak vision, Renton have, however, developed on this post-punk sound, and poured new light on an old theme by twisting its intensity on its head and making it fun.
Track Listing:-
features |
Tour Diary (2004) |
Philip Vincent recently went with rising North London guitar band Renton on a four date British mini tour. In his diary , he tells of his experiences as a soundman out on the road for the very first time |
most viewed articles
current edition
Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies - Sala Apolo, Barcelona, 29/11/2023 and La Paqui, Madrid, 30/11/2023Anthony Phillips - Interview
Difford and Tilbrook - Difford and Tilbrook
Rain Parade - Interview
Oldfield Youth Club - Interview
Autumn 1904 - Interview
Shaw's Trailer Park - Interview
Cafe No. 9, Sheffield and Grass Roots Venues - Comment
Pete Berwick - ‘Too Wild to Tame’: The story of the Boyzz:
Chris Hludzik - Vinyl Stories
most viewed reviews
current edition
Marika Hackman - Big SighSerious Sam Barrett - A Drop of the Morning Dew
Rod Stewart and Jools Holland - Swing Fever
Loves - True Love: The Most of The Loves
Ian M Bailey - We Live in Strange Times
Paul McCartney and Wings - Band on the Run
Autumn 1904 - Tales of Innocence
Banter - Heroes
Roberta Flack - Lost Takes
Posey Hill - No Clear Place to Fall
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart