Big things were expected of Diesel Park West when they signed to the fledgling Food label in the late 80s, but they fell by the wayside as the label channelled its energies towards more marketable signings Jesus Jones and Blur. It could be argued that John Butler’s Leicester outfit were ahead of their time, too early to catch the guitar rock wave surfed so successfully by the likes of Stereophonics, Oasis and Ocean Colour Scene.
They maintained a healthy cult following, though, which will be overjoyed by this disc, featuring no less than three full European concerts. It inevitably means there’s crossover and repetition, although songs such as All The Myths On Sunday and Like Princes Do (the latter a searing attack on elitism and privilege), deserve to be heard again – more than once.
With the Diesels back in business with a imminent new album, it’s a timely reminder of their bygone power and potential. They nearly broke through last time, and let’s hope the 21st Century shines brighter for them.
