Inspiral Carpets

Cherry Red

Dec 16, 2014 Web Exclusive By Lily Moayeri

From the trendsetting groups that came out of the Madchester baggy scene, Inspiral Carpets were the least troublesome, which could be construed as the least hip. This, along with their dab hand at hit singles, has aided in the resilience of the group. Two decades since the band’s last studio album, Inspiral Carpets release their self-titled comeback with four out of five members, plus original vocalist Stephen Holt, who was replaced by Tom Hingley.

In their heyday, the Inspirals were under constant pressure to best themselves. On Inspiral Carpets, it feels like they went on instinct, without any expectations. The signature identifiers for the group: Clint Boon’s spooky organ play and what used to be Hingley’s vocals, now Holt’s—who sounds indistinguishable from his predecessor—are in place. It’s the familiarity that’s the winning element on Inspiral Carpets. There isn’t any attempt at updating the group’s sound with glossy production. Opener “Monochrome” tears out of the gate signaling a high-spirited experience. “Forever Here” carries that sentiment, harkening a little of The Charlatans in the process. The punk-paced “Our Time” contrasts against the swoony ‘60s throwback “Flying Like a Bird” and the easy and fun “Hey Now.” Inspiral Carpets’ youthful energy proves age is a mind-set, not a number. (www.inspiralcarpets.com)

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