A Call Merits A Response
author: Iain Clarke
The Badge are a group who often get influences thrown at them in copmparison. What it is neccessary to bear in mind is that at all times these guys aren't tribute artists, they are a band in their own stead, and a damn good one.
A liver disc than the complex Digital Retro, this record sets the clear and easy ground for the work that will come flooding soon from this NYC foursome. The Badge are blessed in two very gifted songwriters, Jeff Slate, and Marc Teamaker.
Jeff is the most straightforward of the two, straight in for the kill, Dawning of A New Day is an anthem that calls for immediate respect, while the funky Where Luv Will Take You will have you grooving around the room non-stop! Tick Tock and It Girl employ the great songwriting trick of scathing lyrics over an upbeat tune. All For Luv is a nod to the late 'Quiet One' George Harrison, both musically, and lyrically, while Together is a love song that keeps the right side of sentimentality. Never pointless, never indulgent.
Marc is a more subtle animal, working by stealth. Join The World gets under your skin before you have time to stop it, while Hole In My Head and I'm Not Your Man are achingly beautiful both winning and breaking your heart at the same time and standing as two of the finest song in his canon. Shoot Me Down sees him going into white funk territoy which he's never visited before, but works very well.
The co-written Slate/Teamaker title track opens the disc and smacks you between the eyes before you have chance to take your finder awy from the play button. Add to this two interesting cover versions; a beefed up version of The Four Tops Reach Out I'll Be There, with Marc putting in a performance reminiscent of his idol, Steve Marriot and a psychadlic accoustic lead version of ELO's Telephone Line, and you have a cracking little album.
Why only four stars? I've heard their new stuff, and trust me, there's better yet to come, but you don't want half a story!
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