The Subways – All or Nothing

The Subways have all the constituent parts to produce a great album, but somehow always contrive to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory by managing to subtly spoil virtually every song with something irritating. They’re a ‘do what it says on the tin band’ with energy, hi-octane song-writing and clashing guitars. Basically, a slightly more upmarket Mega City 4 for the 21^st Century.

Let’s cut to the chase. All or nothing is agreeable enough, but none of the songs have that secret ingredient that made ‘Oh Yeah’ such a classic. It’s distinctly average, but in a good way for the first few listens, then each track gets flicked before it finishes. ‘Turnaround’ is the best of a mediocre bunch.

However, there is a plus side to the Subways. For some time now I’ve had my doubts that Mark King may not be the ideal choice when I am selecting my all time super-group. He’s just not a team player and I doubt he’d gell with the other members of the band. In short he’s a bit of a base playing show off with that weird thumb action. On the other hand Charlotte Cooper from the Subways would fit in perfectly and she can sing too. It’s a no brainer really; King’s benched and Cooper is in.

If you’re a fan of the Subways it’s OK. If you’re not I wouldn’t bother.