The Stranglers
Norfolk Coast

At least for the moment, I'm not interested in talking about the Stranglers in general. I know that a group with such a history behind it might deserve a broader analysis, but if I ever have the time, inclination, and inspiration, I can always come back to it in the future. What I want to do in this review is simply focus on this particular album, "Norfolk Coast" from 2004, separating it from its context, as if it were the first album of any new rock band. If only there were new talents able to express themselves with such class, I would add, but even this would be off-topic, so I have no choice but to start my analysis without further ado.

"Norfolk Coast" is a very simple and straightforward record, an immediate and engaging listen that finds a truly perfect balance between strength and elegance; the simple and powerful riffs and the often aggressive and no-nonsense vocals betray the band's punk roots, but such coarseness is paired with a mature and significant songwriting, and especially with the melodic touches of Dave Greenfield's synth, which create a very distinctive atmosphere of great style and personality. A potential anthem like "Long Black Veil" and the ballad "Dutch Moon", so fluid and evocative with its feline and sensual appeal, are two great examples of high-class radio rock and potentially high chart success with adequate promotion. The smoky atmosphere of "Tucker's Grave", with that hypnotic bass line and a simple yet very elegant and atmospheric intertwining of choirs, evokes never-forgotten new wave glories, and in its own way, the brief, semi-acoustic "Sanfte Kuss", with its jazzy double bass and old-school violin, revives a passion for slightly retro and noir atmospheres, with an abundant dose of humor and irony.

For the rest, "Norfolk Coast" is a compact, linear, and energetic album just enough, also modern in sounds, which does not indulge in easy nostalgia but does not attempt to chase the most fashionable new talents either; the Stranglers carve out their personal niche with this album and do it very well, just think of the captivating title track with its pirate-like suggestions, the very futuristic keyboard riff of "Lost Control" and the revitalized talking blues of "Into The Fire". In general, an album like this is an excellent product with great peaks of quality and an excellent average level. In short, there is no danger of confusing it with an album by Fall Out Boys, Dandy Warhols, or other similar rubbish; "Norfolk Coast" is the calling card of a great band that has aged well, crafted with great skill and inspiration as well as a good dose of expertise; it has no significant "holes" in a convincing and well-selected tracklist and is always a very pleasant listen, worthy of the group's name and of respect and trust.