Review by Paul Monkhouse for MPM
Having made their name as one of the country’s finest jazz funk outfits, the JTQ have made an unexpected move into new territory with this storming slab of retro rock that was originally written for the main man’s The Prisoner combo.
As with everything the band do, this is top quality stuff and the musicianship sparkles in this dark territory as they delightfully stretch their wings. For the many who know and love them, this right turn is more than just a chance to hear the sound of squealing rubber and actually sees the four dipping their toes into a new stream, the whole done with affection without any whiff of selling out nor being some sort of novelty record.
The JTQ are much too smart to fall into that trap and ‘Hung Up On You’ expertly blends the feel of the late 60’s British Invasion with the New Wave Punk that was dominating the charts a decade later.
With its big hooks, constantly stimulating instrumentation and warm production that somehow manages to perfectly capture tat crossover, this is a mouthwatering taster for their forthcoming album.
Not since The Buzzcocks ‘Every Fallen in Love (with Someone You Shouldn’t’ve)’ has unrequited love sounded good. Brilliant.
jamestaylorquartet.co.uk
