Album review: FOXTON & HASTINGS – The Butterfly Effect

October 27th, 2022 by jason

Absolute [Release date 28.10.22]

Few bands have continued the legacy of a truly legendary act than From The Jam, their original line-up two thirds of the seminal outfit. Whilst never being just purely a tribute act, The Jam bass player Bruce Foxton and drummer Rick Buckler set out with vocalist and guitarist Russell Hastings set out to not just carry the flame but to push forward.

The relationship between Foxton and Hastings blossomed and with Buckler having left the band in 2009 the two remain the founding members have forged a song writing bond that has reaped many rewards.

‘The Butterfly Effect’ marks the third joint album the pair have done together and it’s a delicious stroll through their joint record collection, tipping a hat to the artists that have influenced them whilst remaining true to their own creative wanderings.

Something to be enjoyed in one sitting or dipped into, this release has mixes joyful sounds and unwavering cool as it winds its way through the senses.

With a touch of the Beatles, some R&B and the hard-edged swagger of their own band, opener ‘Electronic Lover’ hits things running, then ‘Feet Off the Ground’ turns things on their head with its beautifully chilled and Summery feel.

Featuring some fluid keys, the track has a touch of Bowie’s ‘Space Oddity’ riff subtly in there, the writing having a really classic feel to it, enhanced by a warm production. There’s some great additional instrumentation on the album too, a sax solo adding extra dazzle to the feel-good and Summery ‘Lula’ and a mandolin in the equally lovely ‘She Said’.

Along with the joyous vibe there’s a level of sophistication that speaks of decades writing well crafted songs, this distillation of influences and talents providing a broad palette of colours.

Hearing the cool, jazzy ‘Wanted’ and the constantly shifting ‘Circles’ can’t but help to bring a warm smile to even the most cynical of hearts. Whilst ‘Time on Your Side’ doesn’t quite hit the mark, it’s the only slight dip and the throbbing ‘Two of Us’ more than makes up for this, it’s Quadrophenia atmosphere full of the end of the Summer of Love and fisticuffs on Brighton beach.

The album closes with the beautiful ‘Rain’ and ‘Too Old to Cry, Too Young to Die’ wistfully tugging at heartstrings and touching memories long filed away. It’s the perfect end to a great release and one that should cheer the hearts of not just From The Jam fans but anyone with a love of truly good music. An album filled with sublime moments and a raw, yet well tempered, passion. ****

Review by Paul Monkhouse

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Power Plays w/c 11 November 2024

ARCANE MOON Hello Sun (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC XTC (Long Branch Records)
ARCANA KINGS Here We Go (Curtain Call Records)
KLOGR face The Unknown (Zeta Factory)
BEYOND UNBROKEN Dance With The Dead (FiXT)
REVENGIN Decadent Feeling (Wormholedeath)

Featured Albums w/c 11 November 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)