Punch and the Apostles -‘Punch and the Apostles’ (Repellent)

This album appears to have just snuck out, quietly, under the radar and even many blogs that seem to be well and truly on the money don’t appear to have reviewed it yet (though bluesbunny
), Kowalskiy and Is This Music? have done).

This album is released as a limited edition of 1,000 and on download, but don’t let it slip out of your grasp. Having released a handful of singles (including the rather excellent ‘I’m A Hobo’) their debut album is a very serious contender for one of the albums of the year. Not just in Scotland – but anywhere.

To listen to this album is to be assorted by a variety of influences – I might jot down burlesque cabaret, free jazz and Tom Waits, but then I’d probably need to add about another 100 to the list. It’s an album that grabs you from the off – but each listen reveals something else. Paul Napier sounds like a man on the edge of a peer in the most bizarre freakshow -and I mean that as a compliment. This could be the last souundtrack you would ever hear -and it would be a fantastic way to go.

This album is full of spirit and passion. Whilst many bands might make the comment ‘that we do what we do and if anyone likes it, that’s a bonus’ you know they’re producing rubbish. Yet Mr. Napier and chums make this all sound so natural, and do n’t care what anyone else says or thinks, as they suck you into a colourful, if excitingly dark and dangerous world.

From start to finish, this album is a real treat. Don’t let it be a well-kept secret, spill the beans and tell everyone you know who actually cares about decent music.

****1/2

Punch and the Apostles is out now.

Pop along to their myspace to hear tracks.

UPDATE: I emailed the band who very graciously said I could post one of their tracks, so for your listening pleasure:

Punch and the Apostles -‘I’m A Hobo.’ mp3