The 1990s are a trio from Glasgow, Scotland, under contract with Rough Trade.
Jackie McKeown and Jamie McMorrow, two of the three original members (singer and bassist, respectively), are former members of the indie band Yummy Fur, which also included Alex Kapranos and Paul Thomson of Franz Ferdinand.
After a few opening gigs for the Babyshambles and Franz Ferdinand themselves, and after McMorrow's departure, they released last May "Cookies", a debut album produced by a major name: Bernard Butler, former guitarist of Suede, a fundamental band of 1990s English rock (as it happens).
Perhaps hastily defined as the designated heirs of Supergrass, their music, rather than recalling the nineties, decisively veers toward the seventies, keeping as an essential and indispensable reference point the Rolling Stones, especially in certain "sloppy" guitar riffs (see the excellent singles "You Made Me Like It" and "You're Supposed To Be My Friend"). Lou Reed (explicitly mentioned) also makes more than one appearance. And from the nineties, you might ask, what do they draw? It's quickly answered: the early Blur (listen to the typical choruses of the pop ballad "Arcade Precinct") are very present, along with various bits and pieces taken here and there from English pop-rock of the last fifteen years (Teenage Fanclub comes to mind, whose bassist, incidentally, has played with them). "Switch" is perhaps too blatantly Stones-like, but it works great; even when the tempo slows down, these guys know what they're doing, reaching a peak of excellence in the ballad "Weed", beautifully marred by a great electric solo.
In general, Butler's production is not overwhelming at all and focuses on essential lines (the always reliable guitar/bass/drums trio).
In short, the debut of the 1990s is convincing. For those who want to enjoy them live, they will be in Italy this month for three dates; on the 15th in Roncade (TV), the 16th in Bologna, and the 17th in Fucecchio (FI).
Key tracks: You Made Me Like It, See You At The Lights, Weed
No one ... CAN FORBID THE 1990S FROM HAVING FUN, AND THE BEST PART IS THAT IF YOU FORBID THEM, THEY WILL AT LEAST FART IN YOUR FACE (and I, drunk, with them).
The clear sensation is that of a water balloon on the guy in a suit, tie, and briefcase passing along the seafront. FUNNY.