PERFORMANCE AND COCKTAILS

Track Listing

1. Roll Up And Shine

2. The Bartender And The Thief

3. Hurry Up And Wait

4. Pick A Part That’s New

5. Just Looking

6. Half The Lies You Tell Ain’t True

7. I Wouldn’t Believe Your Radio

8. T-Shirt Sun Tan

9. Is Yesterday, Tomorrow, Today?

10. A Minute Longer

11. She Takes Her Clothes Off

12. Plastic California

13. I Stopped To Fill My Car Up

My Rating
7/10

Average Critic Rating
6/10

Overview
’Performance and Cocktails’ is a thrilling album that refines and expands upon the band’s signature blend of Rock, Britpop, and soulful balladry. It delivers a polished yet gritty sound, driven by Kelly Jones’ incredible, emotive, raspy vocals and sharp, guitar-driven arrangements. This record feels like a journey through the highs and lows of life, capturing both the energy of youth, and, despite the band still being in their youth at the time, also showcasing reflective moments of adulthood. Lyrically, the album explores themes of love, self-doubt, and the search for meaning and purpose, all with a refreshing sense of sincerity and swagger - it’s incredibly introspective. Musically, the album balances moments of raw, driving rock with more atmospheric and deep tracks, showcasing the band’s versatility. This is a confident and cohesive album that truly captures the essence of the '90s British rock scene.

Recommended for those looking for an album that delivers the perfect balance of introspection and cool swagger.

Featured Song
I Wouldn’t Believe Your Radio

Most Streamed
Just Looking

Least Streamed
Plastic California

Underrated
A Minute Longer

TVV Top 3 Songs
Hurry Up And Wait | Just Looking | I Wouldn’t Believe Your Radio

Singles
The Bartender And The Thief | Hurry Up And Wait | Pick A Part That’s New | Just Looking | I Wouldn’t Believe Your Radio

TVV Top 3 Non-Singles
Roll Up And Shine | Is Yesterday, Tomorrow, Today? | A Minute Longer

Listen to Again?
Yes

No-Skip Album?
No

Album Artwork Rating
8.5/10

I love the image that Scarlet Page has captured here - it's both striking and symbolic, and is a perfect example of how photography can capture the essence of an album’s theme. In this case, it represents passion, desire, and the emotional complexities of progressing through life. It’s a near-perfect piece of album artwork that truly evokes emotion and nostalgia.

Genre
Alternative Rock

RL
V2 Records

Recording Studio
Courtyard Studio (Abingdon, England) | Parkgate Studios (Catsfield, England) | Real World Studios (Box, England) | Rockfield Studios (Monmouth, Wales)