“Thunderous, multi-instrumentalism heaven” Single Review: Clone Quartet - Well-Oiled Machine

From No Clarity, by Eddie Mullan on 26 May 2007

Cardboard open-up CD cases are back! Not since I bought one single every weekday from Carlin Records in Newry have I seen such a marvel, and indeed inside we have a revelation! Well not really, I’ve heard them played and interviewed on Phill Jupitus’ 6Music show and witnessed the boys live at Radar’s May Ball as they kicked out the spiky Dr. Robotnik jams like we’re 11 years old again on the final level of Mario Bros 3!

Rising cartoony keyboards and bass come with plenty of catchy “woh-Oh-Ohh-Ohing” on ‘Carousel’ and enough strange spiraling layers to justify me calling it digital candy-floss. It’s inventive, Tokyo-inspired mayhem pop, but it’s on ‘Played To Death’ that we get a really great tune, a darker affair with tribal drums, bass and keyboard organ solos- coupled with the wild and schitzo intonations of vocalist Andy Henry when let off the lead- sometimes slightly off key, sometimes jumping around the guitar, notably though we’re treated to him pumping out acidic throat-burning screams during the power-chords. I’m hoping he’s got a honey and lemon drink on the rider to keep that throat from imploding. Thunderous, multi-instrumentalism heaven.

Disco stomp is the vibe on ‘Unlock 17', a nice glitzy electro instrumental destined for early doors at dancefloors across the land. The Skibunny remix is a mellowed out version of ‘Carousel’, which although impossible to play out at a club is a suitable comedown from the fury of the single.

Clone Quartet’s debut album is due out on July 2nd 2007 on Tigertrap in collaboration with Smalltown America Records.