The Shortwave Set: 'Replica Sun Machine'

‘Replica Sun Machine’ is an album packed with so much talent that it should, by rights, be a total triumph. In fact, it’s like a fake Rolex that dies after a week – shiny on the surface, empty of substance.

The Shortwave Set are the South London trio whose debut LP, 2005’s ‘The Debt Collection’, was highly regarded and deservedly made several ‘best of’ charts. For their much-anticipated follow-up, the Set have recruited some musical heavy weight, with Dangermouse, he of Gnarls Barkley fame and the 'Grey' album mash-up, on production duties. John Cale of the Velvet Underground does ‘violas, synths and atmospheres’. And no less a talent than Van Dyke Parks helps out with the string arrangements. Parks was, of course, the man who collaborated with Brian Wilson on the legendary 'Smile', as well as 'Orange Crate Art' and other records.

So it wouldn’t be unreasonable to expect something astounding from these 11 tracks. Sadly, the album should come with a sticker like the ‘Parental Advisory’ ones – ‘Beware, Cheese Inside’. The Set have aimed at a psychedelic pop adventure, but instead ‘Fake Rolex’, sorry, ‘Replica Sun Machine’ is a nightmare of pointless pastiche.

Opener ‘Harmonia’ is 70s Pink Floyd rather than Krautrock supergroup, while ’Replica’ is the Floyd in the 60s. ‘Yesterdays To Come’ sounds like it was 10th runner up to the ‘Diamonds Are Forever’ theme tune winner. ‘House Of Lies’ is Lennon circa ‘Mind Games’ but, trust me, not as good. ‘Now Til ‘69’ is a nasty surf pop experiment that they can’t even blame on Mr Parks, as he isn’t credited on it. ‘Glitches 'N' Bugs’ is practically in Scissor Sisters territory for gawd’s sake and closer, ‘The Downer Song’ – and I can’t quite believe it – sounds like it samples Stephen Hawking saying “Love one another…now”. My ears, my ears!

How those fine folk at Rough Trade voted this 'album of the month' beats me. Beware replicas.

Released on 12th May 2008 by Wall of Sound.

Written by James Farrell.