Thee Spivs (The Spivs) - It's True/Men

Our review
Customer reviews
Press release

3...according to our Brett on Thu 24 Sep, 2009.

I didn't think 1965 Records was still going. But it seems they are back with a 7" by The Spivs that to me just sounds like some band from London who desperately want to be The Clash. To be fair they've got the sound down pretty well. I'm not mad keen to be honest but if you like good old average punk rock then you might dig 'It's True'/'Men'. It makes me think of a TV show like the Bill where they go in some pub and there's a punk band on.

500 only, this is great, 1965 records kicks off a new season with an absolute corker. This puppy is indie stores only folks,... The Spivs have been playing RAW and PRIMAL rock and roll music all over London for the last three years in any venue, party or street that will take them. They started because they were bored of what they were doing and wanted to make songs about what everything was really like. After a few rehearsals they realised something special was going on. These songs get in your head after just one listen, nothing fancy just a pop melody played hard, and direct lyrics that cut right to the heart of the TRUTH in less than two minutes each (MAXIMUM). And then there is the performance. First the bass and drums pound like a machine, sweat flying from the players (Dan May and Steve Coley). The guitar chops out a nasty, electric rhythm. Then singer Ben Edge s voice comes in. It s got the power of Joe Strummer but with the heartbreak of Roy Orbison, a once in a generation voice that no-one forgets. They steal the best bits of 1950s rock and roll, 1960s garage and 1970s punk, but this far from a revival band, it is a band of HERE AND NOW. The Spivs are an antidote to the glut of eyeliner in today s music scene .White Stripes producer Liam Watson heard a rough demo recording after they had been playing for couple of years and recognised something exciting in the raw tunes that he heard, so he called the boys in for a session at his famous Toerag Studios. This turned into the debut single, It s True , to be released on 7 in September 2009 on 1965 Records. There is a heavy release schedule planned to get all the songs out there one 7 at a time. The Spivs time is Now!

5...according to Paul.

I would have to disagree with Brett on this one. Although there is without doubt a clash feel about the A-side i would also like to add that this has much more of a primal raw garage sound to it. I think this is a great debut single and i would have to say that the B - side is perhaps the best of the two it reminds me of some obscure 45 you'd find on Norton records a real howler. I also hear a heavy cramps influence.

Rating: 5 out of 5

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