Ross Clelland, Journalist

Even in its moments of archness and overwrought melodrama, it’s an extraordinary thing – take that as you will.

“Eliminations, trials, tests of strength, death matches in a cage. It’s a little like one of those TV talent shows. I’ve even got one of those chairs that spins around to vote you in. And Mike, bless him, stuck with it. Made it with only a few scars, so the job’s his.”

This album can give you the feeling these blokes know as much – or as little – as you do.

Spring And Fall is an album for grown-ups, with the sometimes bittersweet experiences and memories that most of us probably have – although we’d likely never be this articulate, revealing, or musical about them.

The lyrics are often typically wearied and cynical, general descents into madness and despair still present.

“Our music has developed a bit from that. We’re a bit more unique now than we were then... “You can have degrees of ‘unique’, can’t you? Because I think we are.”

Altogether a curious, but engaging, little collection.

The best records are those that don’t bash you over the head on first listening, but seep their way into your memories. This is one of those.