The first word that comes to mind on hearing the new Jonny Cola & The A-Grades (http://www.jonnycolaandtheagrades.net/ ) single, ‘Postcode Wars’, is “Delicious”. Perfectly crafted POP! complete with falsetto “oo”s in the chorus, like every pop classic should have. And that chorus – “Let’s sort it all out in the bedroom” – is catchy as hell, infectious even. I’ve always been impressed with Jonny Cola’s pop sensibilities, previously seen on debut album “In Debt” and ep “The Yellow Mini”, particularly with “Disappearing Act” and “Out Of Focus”, reaching a climax here. Contrary to what they announced on the last single, the party, far from being “over”, seems to be in full-swing, celebrating with much hook-laden carnage and promising more to come. “Alpha Male” is just as good. Floating on dark, slow, undulating waves, adrift in a huge expanse of soft night, silver reflections of stars (closer than you think) surround, keeping one safe and warm as the turbulence builds and swirls. “Summer Of Hate” is a good old hard rock stomper. And the last song, “If I Leave You Sitting In The Dark (Just Let Me Know)” is one of those gorgeous little b-sides, the romantic younger brother of Saint Etienne’s “You Know I’ll Miss You When You’re Gone”. Highly recommended, these will be stuck in your head for days.
[Rating: 4]
Out June 20th on Scratchy Records.
