Sounds

6 April 1985

Sounds album review, 6 April 1985FRUITLESS MACHINE

STRAWBERRY SWITCHBLADE

‘Strawberry Switchblade’ (Korova KODE11)

How come the Scottish breed come on so macho and produce wimp-out muzak such as Bourgie Bourgie, the OJs and this? Why are these people so totally in awe of Lou Reed and a bunch of arty farts who coined the monicker Velvet Underground?

The Strawberry variation tells no new tales. The leather and polka dots – like the music – is strictly second-hand. Even the period pastiches are a bit too twee to handle. But there must be some point to this parade. After the cash, this mediocre pair must live for something. Can’t be their melodic prowess, though.

The hit, ‘Since Yesterday’, sticks in the subconscious, but then it’s downhill all the way. Tune in and drop out. Your younger brother will probably wet the bed over it.

For the more developed, there’s little to take your fancy. Tonight, I saw Los Lobos. They were brilliant. In ten years’ time some Glaswegian duo will be crooning tequila-soaked ditties and Peter Powell (plus double chins) wll be hailing them as God. My, how time is cruel.

*½

DAVE HENDERSON

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