Search - The Mams :: Wam Bam! [Import]

One of my mates described Welsh outfit The Mams' debut as "Style Council gone disco" (and meant it in the best possible way), but there's a hell of a lot more than just Paul Weller and Chic sutured between the hand claps, string stabs, grooves and, um, swine rock guitar. In fact, although The Mams claim to be fans of the whole of pop music from the 1950s to the present, this reviewer finds it difficult to spot any obvious influences and comes away more impressed by the self-deprecating wit and lyrical charm that pulls the entire amalgam of pop's uncool past together. Not to mention pulling together a line-up which purportedly includes former members of Tan Tro Nesa (1980s Welsh TV's answer to The Monkees), Idha and The Hepburns, as well as a High Llamas fellow traveller. Reviews to date frequently cite Scissor Sisters and 0898-era Beautiful South; I prefer to imagine Junior Senior, but with actual lyrics. In a perfect world The Mams would take the first prize tinsel ribbon for Soundtrack to this Summer. Miss at your own peril.