Cravats - Seance

  by Denzil Watson

published: 21 / 4 / 2007

Label: Caroline True
Format: CDS

intro

Impressive return to form on first release in over 20 years from reformed avant-garde punks the Cravats, which finds them collaborating with Paul Hartnoll who was formerly with Orbital

Better late than never so the saying goes. Released on Caroline True Records back in January of this year, the Cravats new single, 'Séance', managed to bury itself so far down in my record box that I lost it, hence the lateness of this review. But just as I struggle to recall the Cravats from the dark recesses of my brain, 'Séance' rises like a phoenix from the flames in these sadly post-Peel days. For it was Peel that first championed the eccentric, avant-garde warblings of Midlands based The Cravats shortly after their inception back in 1977. Fronted by the mystical and charismatic singer/bassist the Shend, they were always ahead of their time and 'Séance', their first release since 1985's 'The Land of the Giants' EP doesn't disappoint. "Séance" drags the Cravats' sound into the Noughties screaming and kicking, helped by their collaboration with ex-Orbital boffin Paul Hartnoll. With the menace of early Cabaret Voltaire and the vocal overtones of Ian Curtis this is more Death Disco than D*I*S*C*O, but most importantly it's a return to form rather than another nostalgia trip. As the mantra "Is there anyone there?" drills itself into your head, hopefully a new generation of fans will familiarise themselves with the wonders of the Cravats. From beyond the grave, John Peel, for one, would most definitely approve.

Track Listing:-