It sounds a bit rough like it was recorded near live, but Songs Made From Plastic
benefits from the lo-fi approach because none of the energy of the songs is lost.
And there's plenty of energy to play with as Martin S. plays us his songs.
There's a relaxed confidence on the album and this shows most of all in the guitar playing
that doesn't try to be flash but rocks along setting the mood. It’s the sort of music I
wish Chuck Prophet made but he has never quite lived up to my hopes.
Being A Rhino is just guitar, drums and vocal and sets the mood for what
follows – overdriven guitar with a bit of lassitude and unexpected melodic touches.
Cold Blooded Killer has an outstanding lead guitar melody and lots other
guitar work that makes for a great instrumental. Back To Business is a bit
of boogie, a bit of Iggy (or rather Bowie impersonating Iggy – nearly as good).
Dial R For Raw has samples from Kick Out The Jams by the MC5 (if you
haven't grown up listening to that then you’ve had a deprived childhood) and
just rambles along in a fascinating re-assessment of our alternative heritage.
Sometimes uneven but always interesting, this is an album to make every rhythm
guitarist jealous – there’s nothing difficult here but a load of ideas, a good
voice, and a talent for making original music.
