Aqualung – Aqualung

Year Released: 2002

Label: B-Unique

Year Bought: 2002

In ye olde days, before TikTok and memes, artists had to use different ways to "go viral" (not that we called it that then). One of those was getting a song in an advert. Not that it was without risks. Andy Bell's post-Ride group Hurricane #1 lost what little credibility it had when it allowed a track to be used in an advert for The Sun. However, a song in an advert could rescue a band's career – just ask Dandy Warhols about Vodafone using 'Bohemian Like You'.

With Aqualung, the appearance of debut single 'Strange & Beautiful (I'll Put A Spell On You)' in a Vauxhall ad in 2002 was the start, and high point, of the group's career. I say group, Aqualung is actually just musician Matt Hayles.

'Strange & Beautiful' is a great tune, a mixture of twinkling piano chords and a booming bass. Listening to the rest of the album, it's clear Hayles found a groove and stuck to it.

As a result, the 11-track record is a bit predictable. Taken out of context, each tune has its merits, but they are all hewn from the same rock.

'Good Times Gonna Come' is the best of the bunch, with some excellent wall of sound distorted vocals evoking 'Climbing Up The Walls' by Radiohead. Indeed, there is something of Thom Yorke's delivery style to the way Hayles often sounds like he's singing through a clenched jaw.

'Can't Get You Out Of My Mind' has a decent melodic shift that makes the chorus soar, while 'If I Fall' is a lovely tune delivered well.

It's not a bad record at all, it just restates the same point too frequently.

5/10

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