“I tried to write a song to tell you how I feel // But all my rhymes went wrong, in verses that reveal // Classical references are my Achilles heel.” Those are the telling first lines from I Wouldn’t Put It Like That, one of the standout tracks from the new full-length album by British power pop outfit Emperor Penguin. This time the four musicians have cast themselves in the role of Gentlemen Thieves: Neil Christie (vocals, guitar, keyboards) as the Cracksman, J.T. (vocals, bass, guitar, keyboards) as the German, Nigel Winfield (vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards) as Stiletto, and Richard Wilson (drums) as Springheel the Illusionist. An appealing idea that works out well in the twelve original songs here (all accompanied by nice videos), with stories inspired by various causes such as the Mesopotamian terracotta Burney Relief (What’s the Worst That Could Happen?) and the French nursery rhyme Frère Jacques aka Brother John (Sonnez les Matines). This is a dynamic, powerful and uplifting LP, full of hooks and fun, at times reminiscent of Elvis Costello. Pop art.
Gentlemen Thieves, produced by Jamie McEvoy, is out now digitally and on CD through Kool Kat Musik. Also featuring Lisa Mychols and Charlotte Guy on selected tracks.