Suzi Chunk and Groovy Uncle - Barefoot in the Car Park/Wet Weekend

  by Malcolm Carter

published: 11 / 8 / 2014

Label: State Records
Format: 7"

intro

Upbeat garage pop on new single from Suzi Chunk and Groovy Uncle, the first from their forthcoming joint album

We’ve mentioned before how Suzi Chunk’s vocals are the perfect vehicle for the 60's garage/beat inspired songs that Groovy Uncle main man Glenn Prangnell writes, and this latest 7” vinyl offering (limited to just 500 copies on 70g vinyl) is further proof if any were needed. While the Unc ‘n’ Chunk crowd are far from the only band peddling this type of music, there is still little doubt that they do it far, far better than any of their contemporaries. It’s not only the actual music that sounds like it’s just stepped out of a mid-sixties movie, but somehow Prangnell, Chunk and company convey that whole carefree period from the sixties when someone suddenly flicked the light switch on. That they can do this, that they can recall these feelings through a 7” piece of plastic is remarkable. There’s little doubt also that every musician involved in these two songs is giving it all they have, but there’s still this feeling that these guys are not taking themselves too seriously. The sound they produce is authentic and from the heart, but this impression that all concerned have big smiles on their faces as they are recording is overriding. It’s like they know they’ve got it right, they know they are the best at what they do and they are loving and enjoying every single second, but they’re still a little amazed that they’re cracked it. This is the sound of a happy band of musicians who just want to spread this uplifting music they create with those around them and long may they do so. This single is a taster for the forthcoming Suzi Chunk/Uncle Groovy full-length album ‘Persuaded,’ which is due (and eagerly awaited) next month. ‘Barefoot in the Park’ features Suzi on lead vocals, and where in the past you could have chosen any of the big-voiced female singers as a reference point (Dusty and Sharon Tandy used to spring readily to mind) on this song you know instantly that this is Suzi Chunk. Maybe it’s that we are now familiar with Suzi’s vocals, but suddenly all comparisons seem pointless; Suzi’s powerful vocals are immediately recognizable. She’s a powerhouse of a singer and while Prangnell and his merry bunch of musicians provide solid backing (including some fine guitar from Bruce Brand) it’s Suzi’s vocals that capture you. The song is another typical Prangnell dancefloor filler taking in his usual beat influences, but this time introducing flourishes of Northern Soul and garage into the proceedings. The song also evokes (probably from that remarkable guitar sound) the soundtrack to an old surf/beach movie. Prangnell has captured all that was good about the sixties in 3 ½ minutes. It’s all in that one song, and if only it was granted the radio play the song so rightly deserves it would have been the soundtrack to your summer. The B-side is ‘Wet Weekend’ where Prangnell takes over lead vocals. Prangnell walks those lonely rain washed streets as summer fades. The melancholic ballad could almost be a long-lost Lennon song, and the melodica solo alone conjures up feelings of regret and loneliness while the brooding guitar work from Ben Jones also adds to the feeling of loss. This single shows both sides of what the Suzi Chunk / Uncle Groovy partnership is not only capable of but what they are all about. It’s what the 7” single was made for, and we should be thankful that Prangnell and his gang are keeping this type of music alive and releasing it in the medium it was made for. Single of the year? Without any doubt

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