And What Will Be Left Of Them? is simultaneously: a reference to the tagline of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre; the name of a cult but-not-in-a-weird way 2000s indie band; the question one asks when rediscovering an unreleased batch of songs. Peter Richard Adams presents University is Peter Richard Adams’ fifth solo album. He says: “It’s my attempt at recording the record the 2009 line-up (of And What Will Be Left Of Them?) were writing when we split up. It’s kind of like ‘Brian Wilson presents Smile’ but without the genius or anticipation.” Well, I think we’ll be the judge of that.
‘Introduction’ introduces the record. It’s a track that knows its place and does not overstay its welcome, lasting a mere 27 seconds (which, coincidentally, is how long I spent revising for a university paper on The Prelude by William Wordsworth, but I digress…) ‘Introduction’ is an organ-led, lyric-less piece that ascends like a magical escalator transporting a six-year-old child to a Hamleys in the sky. ‘Fifi Knows’ carries on the ascent, but with a considerably more adult chugging bass and Adams’ trademark yelp. Fruit ‘n’ veg market traders would do well to note his enthusiasm. The aforementioned second track zips along with the spiky guitar and wit that is the, er, stock and trade of We Are Scientists.
Time for a relative breather on ‘Kings & Courtesans’, though it gradually heats up like a vat of thankfully imaginary frogs. “One, Two, Three! Buckle up and take it steady!” The manner of delivery somewhat contradicts the pacifying message, and the track ends in a controlled explosion of riffs and feedback. My feedback is: excellent. The start of the vocal melody on ‘Set Off The Alarm’ is similar to ‘Tragedy’, and the backing vocals bear resemblance to the pre-chorus on ‘After Hours’ by – them again – We Are Scientists. If you’ve been pining for a modern version of the late 2000s pogoing indie pop sound, then remove thy splinters – there’s no need to pine no more.
‘Trace’ refers to “the dead man taking my pulse”, though it’s no macabre dance in the dark. As with the sound of Hey You Guys! and God Save The King – two more bands Adams has fronted – the track is a rollicking fuzzy guitar ode to joy. ‘Take Me Home’ begins with the pomp and circumstance of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and a whiff of Morrissey in the vocals. The guitar shredding after the kick drum heavy middle eight may cause you to momentarily lose your mind. There is a lot to be said for musically-induced cognitive malfunction, but not enough space to talk about it here. Final track ‘The February Snow’ is as lovely as its title. An organ riff appears halfway through like the first fragile flakes, and by the end it’s part of a swelling blizzard.
Once you’ve listened to Peter Richard Adams presents University, you’ll hope that the eponymous artist will rummage in the And What Will Be Left Of Them? archives again. You know that face people do on The Antiques Roadshow when someone in a tweed jacket tells them that their rancid teapot used to belong to Napoleon and is now worth A LOT OF MONEY? That’ll be your face soon.
Peter Richard Adams presents University is out on 30th March via Golden Mare Recording Co.
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Review by Neil Laurenson
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