Posted by Opportunities and achievements presented themselves in vast numbers when The Spitfires first emerged on the scene in 2012, with sold out shows, raw live environments and busy release plans influencing their calendars.
Now three album project releases in, the Watford three-piece return with a new driven record. ‘Life Worth Living’, their fourth album, sees Billy Sullivan and his cohorts show more ambition than before, they experiment with genre in new ways, using other methods to achieve desired results.
Following a record label change, the band find themselves in a place where they can enjoy the support coupled and a fresh boost of energy to satisfy fans’ cravings and ready to gain some new geographic territory. Their work with Simon Dine, who has previously worked with Paul Weller, in the producer seat is a suitable match.
Dine gets The Spitfires’ sound and ambition, he ensures their vibrant live sound and energy are present on this new studio album. The result is a diverse LP that offers variety and surprise. Quiet and introspective at times, the dynamic contrasts are met by the joyous and more upbeat moments of this record.
Sonically, it’s a wide-reaching display. From the brass-laden ska vibes heard on ‘Start All Over Again’ and ‘It Can’t Be Done’ to the melodic balladry of ‘How Could I Lie To You’, and the tranquillity of finale tracks ‘Have It Your Way’ and ‘Make It Through Each Day’, several fine moments are created.
‘(Just Won’) Keep Me Down’ tackles the experience of walking home from the pub on a late night. It captures some of the dangers, chaos and paranoia. Tapping right into the atmosphere of the dark streets, sound of police sirens that might compete with sounds of ambulance services or a drunken disorder at a takeaway. Sullivan wanted “to capture the environment, one that people can relate to wherever they live.”
‘Life Worth Living’ celebrates some of grittiness everyday life has to offer. Normal lives are not necessarily glamourous, but there’s beauty to be found, when you just take a look. It’s a timely snapshot arriving at a time when there’s perhaps an even greater need for it.
7/10
Words: Susan Hansen
– – –
– – –