Blitz Vega is the US-based Britpop revival project of Kav Sandhu (formerly of Happy Mondays) and Andy Rourke (The Smiths), who have now finally released their first full-length album after several years of playing together. It will also be their last, as Rourke succumbed to his terminal battle with cancer last year (it had largely been written and recorded before). The Northern Gentleman LP, titled in his honor, sort of documents the duo’s time together. In the ten songs you can hear the creative connection of the duo, but also the challenges and emotions they went through. On its own it is a solid album, inspired by the Madchester sound, with a cool groove and haunting vocals. Standout tracks include Strong Forever (featuring Johnny Marr), Lost Myself (about losing people, trying to find the balance to be able to get on with life) and outlier Pass The Gun (chemical beats, turntablism and a shout-along chorus). To be embraced by both rock and dance fans.

Northern Gentleman is out now on vinyl LP trough FutureSonic Records. Rourke insisted that Blitz Vega also play live—joining Kav on stage are Asa Brown (keyboards, backing vocals), Rex Roulette (guitar), Greg Gent (guitar/backing vocals), George Yelding (bass and Craig Eriksson (drums).

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