The Radiators From Space - Trouble Pilgrim

Phil Chevron’s early band were, back in the 70s, the first Dublin punk band to migrate over to London in search of like-minded souls and excitement. While back then it was a short-lived experience and Chevron found his way into The Pogues, when the band reformed in 2003 it was with a sense of unfinished business. On this LP, the group shows a light touch that may have been previously hidden, or lost in the rush for pace and spikiness. The Radiators here display their love for 60s pop (Hinterland, Heaven, She Says I’m A Loser) as much as they still show their ability to rock it when it needs a bit more oomph, as on the title track and The Concierge. Elsewhere, Chevron’s ode to Joe Strummer references London Calling-era Clash and, cheekily, the band mangle up the first few bars of God Save The Queen (That’s the English national anthem version, not the Pistols version), reinventing it as an organ intro for the thoughtful Words. The only hint of Pogueism on show is the fabulous A Package From Home, a highlight of an album full of skilful songwriting, often politically charged lyrics and occasionally immaculate arrangement.