Miles Hunt and Erica Nockells - We Came Here to Work

  by Nicky Crewe

published: 2 / 10 / 2017

Label: Good Deeds Music
Format: CD

intro

Intimate album of acoustic material created by the Wonder Stuff’s Miles Hunt and Erica Nockalls which hits the spot

There’s a great rationale behind this new album, the third that Hunt and Nockalls have made together. They are partners in their personal life and have toured as a duo for the last ten years. The Wonder Stuff as a band have been through some ups and downs, but they celebrated their 30th anniversary in 2016, releasing a new album and hitting the road to tour. Miles says in the press release: "As much as I love rocking out with the band there is a side of me that enjoys a more relaxed approach to making music. Erica and I have been touring as an acoustic duo for ten years now and we thought it was about time we added some new material to our acoustic arsenal." A full on countrywide two month long tour as a duo and the release of a new album wouldn’t be everyone’s idea of a more relaxed approach! But these are great songs to add to any set list, showcasing the distinctive lyrics, vocals and string arrangements so associated with the Wonder Stuff and appreciated by their fans. There are some stand out tracks for me including the first one, 'The Currency of Youth'. 'Waste Some Time With Me' has a great melody and a catchy chorus. It’s an irresistible invitation to shoot the breeze. 'Witnesses' shows off Miles’ distinctive voice and phrasing. 'The Good in the World' has harmonised layered vocals and a great guitar intro. It’s the title track, 'We Came Here to Work', that really stands out for me. Emotional, philosophical, motivational, possibly spiritual, even political, the lyrics are relevant on many levels. Is it about immigration, is it about our place here on earth? Look at the list of song titles. They are telling us something about the benefit of experience and the wisdom that comes with it. The album is released on Good Deeds Records. There’s a message and it’s wrapped up in great songwriting and performances. I’m looking forward to hearing Miles Hunt in conversation at Louder Than Words, the festival of music and writing held in Manchester each November. I’m also looking forward to catching Miles Hunt and Eric Nockalls in Sheffield on their forthcoming tour. Miles can have the last word, "The music that The Wonder Stuff make is for nights out with your friends. What Erica and I have hopefully done with ‘We Came Here to Work’ is made music for nights spent at home in more genteel company."

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