Lupen Crook - Petals Fresh From Road Kill

  by Jamie Rowland

published: 28 / 8 / 2005

Label: Tap 'n' Tin
Format: CDS

intro

Impressive debut single, released in three different formats, from Medway-based acoustic singer songwriter with an abrasive edge Lupen Crook

'Petals Fresh From Road Kill' is the debut release of Medway singer/songwriter Lupen Crook. The record is a collection of 7 acoustic songs spread across 3 different formats: CD, 7” vinyl and digital download. The A-side on all the releases is ‘Lucky 6’, which starts out sounding like an acoustic Blur song; with Crook’s vocal sounding similar to that of Damon Albarn. The song soon, however, changes into something much more Nick Cave in style; dark and strange, with the vocal more aggressive, and almost manic, at points. The dark, ominous feeling of this song continues across all of the three 'Petals…' releases. The B-sides on the CD version are ‘J for Julian Sleeps’ and ‘Matilda V’. The first is catchy, acoustic punk, similar in style to Billy Bragg, while the second track has Crook going backwards and forwards between soft whispering and harder, more assertive vocals. To me, ‘Matilda V’ is like Vashti Bunyan partnered with the darkness of Radiohead, an odd mix that works surprisingly well. On the vinyl version, the first B-side is ‘Matthew’s Magpie’, a song reminiscent of classic 60'sfolk, but with a punk edge. The second B-side, ‘The Murderbirds’, is a gentle, swaying song with short breaks of increased tempo and bad language, and a surprising, upbeat quality not found on the other tracks. The first of the two downloadable songs is ‘Dick Strange and the Nasty Boys’, a sinister ballad containing some fantastic lyrics, like “I am the fly with the shit-stick and the aids/I am the goon that is often betrayed”. The second song to download is ‘Sex Scene #1’. A short, sharp, toe-tapper, it’s finished in only 47 seconds, but leaves you very satisfied. Listening to Lupen Crook’s debut is a very enjoyable experience, which leaves you wanting more. These songs have it all: clever (if slightly baffling) lyrics, confident guitar playing, catchy tunes and a quirky, engaging vocal. This is definitely an act to look out for in the future.

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