There aren’t many latter day songwriters I’d tag with the accolade ‘genius.’ There are many great writers of course, but for me just three real greats over the last three decades – Donnie Vie, Tyla J Pallas and of course Ginger Wildheart – three writers who just have that knack of continually writing great songs.
Now whilst Tyla always has something on the go and Donnie is just about to release his latest (those that helped fund it already have it) Ginger hasn’t put out a record as The Wildhearts for 10 years, and this is the first time in 20 years that the ‘classic’ line up has been in the studio.
So is this a glorious trip back through the Time Tunnel? A remake of the first glorious ‘Earth Vs.’ debut? There’s an easy answer to that – no. Is is ‘PHUQ #2’ – again no. I’s definitely Wildhearts but 2019 style – a little edgy, rather loud with a little of the mid-period albums about it but certainly no ‘Endless Nameless.’
Is it any good? Well it’s damn good actually thank you for asking. As a fan you’ll be stoked even if it takes a few listens in places. It’s certainly not all big riffs and sweet harmonies, well it is kinda, and pub sing-along choruses, but those harmonies and choruses are tempered with a bit more steel and aggression.
Opening up with the track you’ve surely all heard by now, ‘Dislocated’ sports the sort of huge chorus that The Wildhearts are rightly known for, it’s a storming opening that gives way to the ‘in your face’ Celtic speed punk stylings of ‘Let ‘Em Go’ (Which also sees Frank Turner on vocals). Most fans of course will already be in the ‘yes’ camp by now but if you were on the fence then the 70’s Glam of the title track ‘The Renaissance Men’ is just the shot to knock you off it.
Variety is the spice of life of course, and things heat up further for the anarchic ditty ‘Fine Art Of Deception’ which sees CJ and Ginger duetting wonderfully, before we touch on the prescient topic of mental health for ‘Diagnosis’ and are left to wonder not only about that important topic but also marvel at the wonder of the huge riff!
There’s plenty more gas in this tank though ‘My Kinda Movie’ is almost the story of the Wildhearts in one song; whilst ‘Little Flower’ delivers the bittersweet love song hit; and ‘Emergency (Fentanyl Babylon)’ warms of the dangers of prescription drugs via the media of some rather raucous punk rock.
The album ends with two crushingly good tunes the first ‘My Side Of The Bed’ punks it up again but in a way that punks would never have dreamed of – changing footing ad direction constantly. The final word though goes to
‘Pilo Erection’ -as song that is bludgeoning and melodic in perfect balance. It’s a huge song to close with.
The Wildhearts of course tour all the time so on one hand it’s like they’ve never been away, but ten years since their last album they’ve managed to make these ten songs sound amazing and as fresh as ever. Sure it’s not as direct as their commercial peak but there’s something far deeper and more satisfying bout these Renaissance Men…
