The Spitfires
Response

THE REVIEW

One of the most exciting albums of the past year, for lovers of a certain brit rock, can be considered "Response," the debut of the English band Spitfires. These four guys from Watford, Billy Sullivan (vocals and guitar), Sam Long (bass), Matt Johnson (drums), and Chris Chanell (keyboards), present themselves as the natural heirs of that mod/punk tradition that has as its reference points groups like Jam, Buzzcocks, and the early Clash.

Thanks to an intense live activity, which saw them as an opening act for Paul Weller and The Specials, in August they released, through their label Catch 22 Records, their first energetic album that highlights the distinctive features of the group: guttural voice (very similar to young Weller), sharp and aggressive guitars, pulsating rhythm section. This is especially noticeable in tracks like "Stand Down," "I'm Holding On," "When I Call Out Your Name," and "4am," chosen as singles, while the lengthy "Spoke Too Soon" and the two instrumental interludes "Serenade Part 1" and "Serenade Part 2" showcase the softer and more melodic side of the quartet.

"Next big thing" from Britain or mere revivalists? This is the question that arises at the end of listening to the album's 13 tracks. Only time will give us the answer, in the meantime, it will soon be possible to enjoy their live music in Italy as well.