Little Man Tate - About What You Know
Little Man Tate seem to be touring non stop. Whether headlining, playing festivals or supporting bands like the Ordinary Boys, yet they've still somehow found the time in their hectic schedule to record their debut album "About What You Know". The Shed Seven to Arctic Monkeys Oasis, Little Man Tate may not have reached the top of their career like Alex Turner's band but like the fable of the race between the tortoise and the hare, Little Man Tate are here for the long run, taking their time rather than speeding along to the finishing line. With ten tracks and a running time of thirty three minutes there isn't a single wasted moment and a not a filler track anywhere on the album.
"European Lover" has frontman Jon Windle's Sheffield vocal, in now way anything resembling a certain sardonic Yorkshire singer, recalls in a nostalgic fashion a former girlfriends trip abroad on this up beat indie track. Windle soul searches and reminisces with unexpected harmonies from his band mates. Little Man Tate have a cheeky, sometimes saucy sense of humour and this comes through in their music but Windle is not afraid to show self pity as he meekly states in no uncertain terms 'spare a little thought for me'
All great bands have a slow song in them, ready for it to be unleashed on an unsuspecting audience and Little Man Tate are no exception with "This Must be Love". Like Peter Kay, Job Windle loves to look back at his life, looking at the funny side of situations. Whether the guitars chime or are simple acoustic strums it's a wonderful nostalgic sound while the lyrics are romantic and awkward all at the same time. The revealing line ' you are the best, you let me touch your chest' says it all really with a wink and a smile.
The funky "Court Report" about a cross dresser rivals Manson's "Stripper Vicar" for suburban tales of sexual intrigue. Referencing Eastenders and The Daily Sport, this is an English story, too provincial for the American Market but one still worth telling. "Down On Marie" is the heaviest track on the album by far. It's country tinged guitars are frantic and the Yorkshire lads don't mince their words in their depiction of the sexual nature of mankind.
"About What You Know" could have been an even better album if their earliest singles had been included, but they may appear on a compilation featuring b-sides, out takes and demos as a stop gap to the second album. The Smiths did it and so did We Are Scientists so come on the execs at V2 Records, take notice and give Little Man Tate fans everything they deserve
Nicholas Paul Godkin
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