Were David Blunkett hip to the current rock renaissance he would probably have something to say about the endless gush of new guitar bands into Britain from almost everywhere that isn't yet a war zone. Kings of Leon are among the newest arrivals, in mores sense than one, since their youngest member is only 16.
From the deep south they come, the three brothers and one cousin, glorying in names such as Jared and Caleb. Billed as a Creedence Clearwater Revival revival, they either look (in record company speak) "great", or like almost any other beat group from any point between 1966 and 1973 (officially among the worst years for rock, ever). They are also signed to to the label RCA, which is remarkable since, on a brief showing, their re-refried chug is muddy and banal. Still, they are a young band who are probably yet to thoroughly digest their influences. Why, you have to wonder, are they being shoved under our noses so soon?
The Australian band Sleepy Jackson have a wonderful name and have a gently delightful mini album out on Virgin. They make a sprawling racket in which bits of Sonic Youth, the Pixies, Mercury Rev at their most shambolic and Faith No More at their most baroque are recognisable. Again, you have to wonder what a band like this is doing on a major label. There are points when they are hugely entertaining, particularly when their wildly flailing second guitarist, who might almost be in a different band, windmills centre stage. They also have one enormous tune, Good Dancers, which rolls forward majestically, crushing all before it with rumbling bass and joyously off-kilter harmonies.
But, as with Kings of Leon, there is a long way to go. Are we really to believe that record companies, desperate to pin down the new Strokes, or the new White Stripes, or some other new version of an idea someone else has already had, really intend to develop these bands over the next few years? It seems unlikely. As with Britpop, the bubble will burst and a lot of hopeful musicians will find themselves washed up. Sure, in the meantime, the ride might be fun. Just don't, whatever you do, look down.
