Album Review: Overspill Poets

Overspill Poets: 'Thompson Falls' (Revenge Western)

1. Thompson Falls
2. The Sound Of Sirens
3. Summer
4. Boxing Gloves
5. The Neon Lights Are Beautiful
6. Leave It Behind
7. Independence Day
8. Inner Space
9. Northern Star
10. Ricochets
11. Walking Tall
12. Tomorrow When You Leave


Although Overspill Poets may be a relatively new project in its own right, from the very start of debut release 'Thompson Falls' it's patent that Tim Taylor (vocals) and George Kitching (guitars) are not your typical new kids on the block, in fact they're about as far from that as you can possibly imagine. What IS very obvious is that these guys know how to write a tune. Indeed they've bunged 12 blinders on to one disc.


The album has a perfect balance between upbeat melodies and poignant ballads and has cunningly combined an americana sound with an indie feel. Every track has it's own little story to tell, be it the the tale of girl who despite her big ambitions fails to escape her small town on title track 'Thompson Falls' or the accounts of people heading for London to escape oblivion on 'Northern Star' or 'The Neon Lights Are Beautiful' (where the neon lights that inspired that song were actually those of Newcastle viewed from across the Tyne in Gateshead). It is, though, my personal favourite 'The Sound of Sirens' which epitomises eveything that is great about this album. The down-to-earth lyrics are magnificently reproduced by Taylor (who would make a wonderful stunt double for Michael Stipe) and Kitching's guitars which accompany him simply ask you to play the track again and again and once or twice more for good luck - it's one of those tracks you simply can't get enough of.

It has it all. You want musical poetry? Try 'The Neon Lights Are Beautiful'. Something a little more powerful? How about 'Independence Day' and 'Northern Star'? Meanwhile, 'Boxing Gloves' or 'Summer' keep all nostalgics satisfied.

Yes, I admit it, I have a soft spot for Overspill Poets. It's only natural - they make such damned good music that it's easy to become enamoured with their style. When I first heard their album promo some six months ago, I described it as 'a fine piece of musical art'. 'Thompson Falls' in its entirety is a finer piece of art and is certainly a worthy addition to any discerning music collection.

Here's my suggestion for a musically sane week; check out the Overspill Poets' MySpace and when you realise how good they sound (and you WILL) click your way to the nearest online dealer and pride yourself on being the owner of one of the best albums of 2009.

NME-E Rating: 9/10
Top Track: 'The Sound Of Sirens'

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