The new originals

Remember the scene in Spinal Tap where the band recalls naming themselves the Originals and then explaining that they had to change it to the New Originals because there was already a band called the Originals? I think of it every time someone slags a group off because they sound like other bands or mimics some predecessor. Except for cases of total break-the-mold originality, there's always an Originals out there.

The Legends take this to the point where they're pretty much a genre tribute band. Which wouldn't be interesting if they didn't write such great songs in the idioms they adopt. Having since traversed Cure/Joy Division postpunk, bright British '80s synthpop, and Jesus & Mary Chain-ish white noise garage pop, I still think their debut puts their best foot forward. I'd go through the influences, but one listen through today's track makes it all very obvious. Shake that tambourine, kids!

The Legends - There And Back Again