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:-