Jon Fratelli - Psycho Jukebox
When The Fratellis disbanded, any future projects were going to find it hard to live up to the legacy they build up with their thrilling debut album Costello Music.
Former front-man Jon Fratelli has released his highly-anticipated debut solo effort, and has a lot to live up to from his former projects.
On its own merit, Psycho Jukebox is an album that works best cranked up to full volume, blasting it out to match the energy of the recordings.
Any doubts about Jon Fratelli's knack for an infectious chorus and a big sound are crushed by the time 'Daddy Won't Pay Your Bill' kicks in.
A fantastic track, it's the kind that could make Jon in a star in the same way Baby Fratelli and Chelsea Dagger helped to establish The Fratellis.
Whilst it's clear Jon wants to escape from the shadow of his old projects, Psycho Jukebox suggests that comparisons will be there for a while.
Musically, he's dipping into a lot, with occasional funk influences backing the familiar (but brilliant) vocal style he's become famous for.
'Rhythm Doesn't Make You A Dancer', in particular, could easily have been on The Fratellis debut album.
This makes for a warm, bouncing, but familiar, tune that settles itself as an early highlight on a great album.
There's a definite swagger about Jon Fratelli's vocals on this track, which is the song most like his former band.
Tracks like 'Magic & Mayhem' show an '80s pop influence, but Fratelli keeps it rooted with a rock n' roll acoustic rhythm.
By the time the album reaches 'She's My Shaker', it feels special. This continues with a little change of pace for the beautiful 'Caveman' and the mid-paced rocker 'Baby We're Refugees'.
Psycho Jukebox, if there is any justice, will cement Jon Fratelli as a serious, great solo singer-songwriter.
It's diverse, energetic and atmospheric, whilst retaining some of the fun that made Fratelli famous in the first place.
Female First - Alistair McGeorge
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