CD Review: Fun Lovin' Criminals

Fun Lovin' Criminals: Going Loco

By the BBC's Chris Charles

Their bank robbing days may be well behind them, but the Fun Lovin' Criminals have still got a few gems up their sleeves.

While the plastic gangster act has lost some of its charm, this talented trio remain one step ahead of the mob.

After the disappointment of 'odds and sods' album Mimosa, Huey, Dewie and Lewie (or whatever they're names are) have bounced back with their best offering since universally-acclaimed debut Come Find Yourself.

At times Loco is so laid-back you think it's going to turn itself off. On other occasions it grabs you by the throat and drags you along at breakneck speed, before finding a nice cosy corner and curling up once more.

Opening number Where The Bums Go kickstarts proceedings with a full-throttle attack of dirty, noisy guitars and a shout-along chorus that quickly becomes a familiar friend.

Mischievous

The title track is another winner. Only the Criminals would have the gall to advertise their new single in a traffic-stopping beer ad, but this really is palatable stuff, with its lazy, creeping bassline and fuzzy feelgood hook.

Huey's deeply whispered vocals are more soothing than any medication. At times you feel like you're in the room with him as he pours out his troubles or brags about his mischievous antics.

The broody Half A Block Away is a reference to how far he is from salvation, while the wah-wah driven Underground is a smoky ballad to his "ghetto prince".

One of the factors that sets the Crims apart from the rest is their feel for comedy.

Swashbucklin' In Brooklyn tells of a fish and chip vendor dressed in a pirate's outfit who deals drugs on the sly.

Delicious

Huey obliges when the buccaneer calls for a psycopath to help him and the pair save Brooklyn with "swords, daggers and kung fu whatnot".

Bump sees our man getting lucky with the women, only this tale has a twist. "I met the finest girl that night" he boasts - "at Gay Night"!

There's also room for a rockabilly thrash on the charmingly titled 'D***holder', along with a Country jaunt as Huey goes on the run in She's My Friend.

But perhaps the album's defining moment is the delicious There Was A Time.

Acceptably indulgent guitars encase the faint, haunting strains of an anonymous Kate Bush-soundalike.

This has single written all over it and if the angel-voiced female cared to reveal herself, the Criminals could do for her what Eminem did for Dido.

If you're looking for a record to start your springtime early, look no further than Loco.

The Fun Lovin' Criminals are on the march again - and anyone who says different will have Huey to answer to. Capiche?