The 1990s phase of Britpop was populated by bands whose music was either mostly simple, straightforward, but with a cool swagger. You had Oasis, Elastica, and Menswear, or arty, glossy, and textured bands like The Divine Comedy, My Life Story, as well as The Boo Radleys. The latter of those mentioned acts, The Boo Radleys, created music at the time that might be described as a cornucopia of various instruments either blending or clashing with each other in a bittersweet symphony!
Formed in 1988, in Wallasey, England, The Boo Radleys released six studio albums during their first run – from 1990’s Ichabod & I to 1998’s Kingsize – a year after which they disbanded. And then two decades later, in 2021, they reunited, albeit minus original Guitarist and chief Songwriter Martin Carr. Now they solidify their return with the recent issue of a long-awaited new album.
Released on Friday, March 11, 2022, via Boostr Records, The Boo Radleys’ seventh full-length is titled Keep On with Falling. Their first album in a quarter of a century, compared with the band’s stellarly Sunshine Pop oeuvre Wake Up! of 1995, this latest offering is a bit laidback and less orchestrated. That said, it is still melodic and catchy enough and, despite that, deserves notice, even if for the effort and equally interesting sonic details. After all, the lavish heyday of Britpop is long gone.
Consisting of eleven new tracks, Keep On with Falling is led by the singles “A Full Syringe and Memories of You” and “I’ve Had Enough I’m Out.” Both of which are midtempo, in fairness, they are well-woven with a sprinkle of synth washes and string ornaments. Other tracks worth checking out here also include “I Say a Lot of Things,” “Here She Comes Again,” and “I Can’t Be What You Want Me to Be.”
Currently consisting of Simon Rowbottom on vocals/guitars, Tim Brown on bass,/keyboards, and Rob Cieka on drums/percussion, The Boo Radleys can definitely still deliver. They simply raised their own bar so high during their peak days; that is why Keep On with Falling may seem lackluster now. Nonetheless, it could still hold its candles on its own merits alongside many of today’s younger bands. That is why Cryptic Rock gladly gives Keep On with Falling 4 out of 5 stars.
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