Living in Twickenham, as I do, has it's merits. Countless pubs (how many times has Monsta Pro's merry band aquatinted the gracious and spacious venue known as The Prince Blucher and frequently got wasted!!!), a train station with a direct link to Central London, a national rugby stadium, a National League One rugby union ground (were it seems odds-on that the local team will capture the league title and move up a division) and now a hot new musical act [for those who know me, yes yes yes I know, I know, I live in Whitton! Smart arse!!!!!]. Having spent countless trips to the public house known as The Barmy Arms on Twickenham Riverside and looking over the Thames towards Eel Pie Island, I've often wondered what lies behind it's defensive boundaries. And herein lies the answer.
Father and son Henry and Blaine Harrison have had a fondness for music as far back as either can remember. Henry who plies his trade as rhythm guitarist has enjoyed helping his son Blaine to enjoy and embrace music. An activity which they both enjoy and from those early days has grown and grown and has ultimately blossomed into the Mystery Jets. Along with William Rees, Kapil Trivedi and Kai Fish the band was created. From humble begins to most recently being on tour with the likes of Arctic Monkeys, We Are Scientists and Maximo Park on this years NME Awards Tour the band have gain almost monumental status and with the release of their debut album to boot the road ahead for the quintet has a very stable feel to it. Signature tune off the album, for me anyway, has to be You Can't Fool Me Dennis. A lovely folk induced, hippy, dancy indie melody which cries out for all and sundry to sing along to. " You can do anything you want/As long as it makes sense"
The album which goes down like a fine pint of London Pride, can be enjoyed anywhere, anyhow, anytime. Each tune is delivered with a slight sprinkling of magic, Purple Prose has an distinguished guitar riff which is both mesmerizing and totally absorbing. Soluble In Air gives way to an intro reminiscent of a Jethro Tull classic. Blaine Harrison has a vocal sound which can be deliver in many guises. The Eel Pie Island influence has been both good and kind, a dynamic area which has many levels (his voice that is, though having never ventured across the river to the island I've no idea what's it like!). Current single The Boy Who Ran Away breaks into a stomping crunching number. Slightly jazzy riffed tune, again Harrison Jnr gives the track the added dynamics which provide both independent and universal. Horse Drawn Cart a form of transport which can only be seen on Eel Pie Island, defining the modern day movement? Who knows!
Interestingly and intriguingly tracks One and Six are instrumental. These days these babies are a rare sight, not [usually] surfacing on a full-blown album, only to be found (potentially) as a b-side to one of the singles. Memory goes back to Oasis's Masterplan B-side album which had a number of instrumentals on there. Very clever, very ambitious and very good. The first track, Track 1, is very reminiscent of Embrace's Intro to their debut album The Good Will Out. A cacophony of noise, erupting like a mighty volcano in full flow. The second instrumental has a hugely influential slice of Stone Roses indie/dance to it. Very reminiscent of the "King Monkey" marching on the spot in his prime (Godlike Genius NME style! Respect!).
As the tracks unfold and reveal their unique tale of charm, wit, oddness and whole-hearted warmth the Mystery Jets have created a undisturbed and naturally formed niche all to themselves. One which is similar but in no part the same as many bands, the likes of whom include King Crimson, Yes, and Pink Floyd. The bands own character and personality can only be admired, and if studied in greater detail can be found to be quaint and loveable.
All hail to these Eel Pie Islanders: its time to croon and maybe swoon from across the river so that the wondrous sounds can be heard on a balmy sunny day, sitting in the beer garden of The Barmy Arms pub, drinking a pint of Bombardier and simply letting time drift pleasantly by!