New Musical Express

1 August 1987

JILL BRYSON
RAZORCUTS
JASMINE MINKS
MOMUS

London Hammersmith Clarendon

Creation third generation showcase tonight. Momus’s precious Cohen-isms enlivened with a da-dash of Stanshall become all but dissipated and meaningless in a venue larger than a broom closet. One man, a tie and a pair of specs, possessing a peculiar amount of emotion (amount of peculiar emotion?) with his stroked chords, public school demeanour and sparse vocals.

Fresh from determinedly-eclectic El where he was quietly refining his distinct brand of Englishness, Momus’s songs are strangely moving and inexcusably boring, destined for cultural splendour. The ultimate hippy or a prophet out of time? Only time will tell.

The Jasmine Minks damn near started Creation and have matured accordingly. Since the loss of the member many considered to be their guiding light, Adam Sanderson, they have been stumbling round trying to re-discover their feet. Tonight they are stunning. A powerhouse-driven sound which could teach any young contender a few valuable lessons about punk rock or emotional fervour. ‘We Don’t Walk for Nothing’ has never sounded more scornful or relevant. The Minks have emerged once more as a mighty force to be reckoned with and couldn’t be more welcome.

The trouble with Razorcuts currently is that they seem to be grabbing hold of their weaknesses and emphasising them as strengths: their penchant for ridiculous guitarists, their embarrassment at having an ‘out of tune’ singer, their avowed determination to be considered professional. If they’re not careful they’ll loser all identity and be sucked into the mush that characterises Edsel/ Bam Caruso revivalist bands.

After the previous, the gentle voice of Jill Bryson (ex-Strawberry Switchblade) acted as a healing balm to smooth away all cares. The clicktrack of the accompaniment and the melodic harmonising of a male backing singer added to a pleasantly jazzy, weekend, feel to the proceedings as we melted into the night. Sweet.

The Legend

Advert for Jill Bryson solo gig, July 1987