Imperial Leisure – Creeper (Warners/Altska)
London based Ska Punk band Imperial Leisure release ‘Creeper’, the third single from their current album ‘Lifestyle Brand’. Described as “A long time live favourite”, the single will be accompanied by a video shot at last years Boomtown Fair festival that sees the band equally shock and delight revellers as they roam the festival scantily clad in their lycra and glitter attire. Nothing wrong with a good time under or near canvas, but on a colder rain laden night in Northampton, I am assured they wear more clothing and are, live more immediate than their festival video smiles portray.
Originally formed in early 2000’s debuted in 2008, the current line up of Denis Smith (vocals), Scott Vining (drums), Ben Bridges (guitar), Jack Emmings (bass), Richard Cox (keys) and Rob O’Neale (trumpet) – together with trombonists Steph Faulkner (Mad Apple Circus) and Russell Spencer (Ghouls / The King Blues) and on trumpet Ken Brown (Shanty), Dave Medland (Dub Pistols) and Elliot Phelps (Cut Capers / The King Blues / Lux Lisbon) have built a reputation as one of the most exciting and unpredictable live bands around.
Denis Smith says: “Creeper is about the people in life that drag you down and how we shouldn’t let them win by letting them get to us. The video was shot at The Boomtown Fair 2017: fun-filled times, we played all about the festival and it makes for a perfect back drop for the track”.
The release of ‘Creeper’ is set to kick off a very busy period for Imperial Leisure as this year marks the tenth anniversary of the release of their debut album ‘The Art Of Saying Nothing’. The band will celebrate this milestone with the release of a special new deluxe edition featuring the original album together with bonus tracks and new mixes. The release will coincide with extensive tours of the UK and Europe over the next twelve months.
The new single cleans up well freshly recorded, catchy as ever and feels more comfortable when the brass section kicks in, although I have never laughed on the inside, at least consciously, although both sleeves are mow worn out. Alas there or no sign of Imperial Leisure fraying at the edges, more of a spirit of I’ll have what they’re having, such is the band’s feel good value. Another healthy instalment. 8/10
Steve Janes
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