Arkells

The Arkells are a great rock’n’roll band. Live, the monstrous energy of their Springsteen-sized songs is evident and contagious. Deadlines, though, isn’t a great rock’n’roll release. It’s good, and has moments of real power, but it offers more hints of greatness than actual proof. The influence of the Constantines is a little too evident throughout, and while songs like "Tragic Flaw” and "Ballad of Hugo Chavez” offer some fine chorus hooks, they’re more likely to make you want to put on the real deal than return for a repeat listen. Bottom line: go see the Arkells when they come to your town and they’ll win you over and, with any luck, that power and energy will be front and centre on their next release.