Other than a single EP that came before, this is Paul Draper’s first album since the collapse of Mansun in 2003. I’m sure someone will write a book about the issues with that band resulting in some serious mental health issues for Paul, of which a lot of these songs seem to be about. 5 of the 11 tracks have been co-written with Catherine Anne Davies (The Anchoress). The compliment was reciprocated as Draper co-wrote her first album as the Anchoress, Confessions of a Romance Novelist. Anyhoo. There seems to be a lot of therapy to these songs as Draper seems to getting a lot of things of his chest.
Don’t Poke The Bear gets things going with an almost psychedelic vibe and a very high register vocal. The single Grey House follows, and into Things People Want which does remind me of Mansun. Who’s Wearing The Trousers has a nod back to the Britpop era which Draper came out of. Jealousy Is A Powerful Emotion and Friends Make The Worst Enemies have an almost progressive feel – in fact, Spooky Action was nominated for best album at the Prog music awards.
Side 3 is probably the best side as it contains the amazing Feeling My Heart Run Slow, and the very powerful showstopper, You Don’t Really Know Someone, Till You Fall Out With Them – with an incredible vocal from Draper.
Its very clear to see who had the ideas in Mansun, and it’s good to hear that voice again as Paul is too good a talent to be on the sidelines. There are no fluff lyrics here as each song is very personal all accompanied with some very diverse music. My own fave is Feeling My Heart Run Slow . A very enjoyable album.
8.5/10 from The Grooveman.
