Napoleon IIIrd - In Debt To

  by Helen Tipping

published: 7 / 11 / 2007

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On stage Napoleon IIIrd (or N3) is one man, many instruments and a reel to reel, so it was going to be interesting to see how that translated on to CD and 'In Debt To', which is his debut album. It has given him more opportunity to experiment, but he has not departed too far from what he's been able to recreate in a live performance. 'This Is My Call to Arms' is a straightforward ode to not living your life through 'EastEnders' and 'Corrie', and has a fairly upbeat indie tune. 'Defibrilator' is more experimental in sound and, if my memory serves me correctly from hearing him perform it live, was written after N3 was mugged and had his song book stolen - this tells how worthless such an item would be in cash converters. Of course my memory could be wrong, but it's a good story anyway. Songs cover topics from the everyday things that piss him off, like bad driving, to the political and anti-corporate. In N3's world, as long as people continue to have dreams and aspirations, it's two fingers up at those who would control us. He even sings an apology for shouting at his girlfriend Kate over a backing of looped and synthesised sounds. If only there were more people like N3 willing to wear their hearts on their sleeves and to believe in direct action, then greed and spin and the cult of celebrity would end. And no, the dichotomy of wanting the cult of celebrity to end and his choice to be a performer is not lost on him either, as he explores this in 'What We Have Now is Ending', and 'Boys in Bands Get Girls'. Although having an experimental sound, his isn't one that might alienate audiences and is worth giving a listen. He's supported other Leeds bands like Forward Russia and iLiKETRAiNS and is building up a following in the North - keep an eye out and give him a try, I think many people would enjoy his quirky sound and lyrics.

Track Listing:-

1 Introduction To A
2 This Is My Call To Arms
3 Defibrillator
4 The Conformist Takes It All
5 Guys In Bands
6 Anti-Patria
7 Hit Schmooze For Me
8 Introduction To B
9 Kate's Song
10 What We Have Here Is Ending
11 The Casual Terrorist Vs The International Board Of Wishing
12 My Superiority Complex
13 One Song Before Bed To Three Four

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