Review of ‘Do Not Dare To Dream’, the new work by Teenage Fanclub

ByJohn

Hurts. Just a little, let’s not exaggerate. But it stings that the race of Teenage Fanclub fade like a garment subjected to low-quality detergents. One almost comes to prefer that they give us a completely bad album, instead of a collection of mediocre ones. Let’s see if they reset that way. But not. And it stings even a little more that it is a guy as charming as Norman Blake – overcoming a divorce and a change of continent – ​​who is most accusing the slow but sustained creative decline. His songs are the living image of the canon when he settles for relief and neglects the soul. Exquisite calligraphy, very few edges.

This time it is once again Raymond McGinley (in the absence of the long-missed Gerard Love) who signs the most notable of the Scottish quintet: “Over and Over”, “Young and Wise”, “The Same Air” and, above all, that “Tomorrow People” that is organized around three different phases, like a suite. The most disruptive thing they have known since John McEntire reformulated their sound in “ManMade” (2005). Of Norman’s vintage, he would hardly stand out “Be With You Tonight”, “Day In The Sun” and “Somewhere To Land”. Pretty, but dull. Pleasant, but not tingly. Bright, but functional. Stylish, but routine. Maybe in a few months I won’t see it exactly like that. But yes now.

At this point, perhaps it wouldn’t be a bad idea for Euros Childs and Francis McDonald, untapped here as composers (they already have their projects), to come with their signature to liven up such a downbeat affair a little. But who are we to tell these venerable gentlemen what they should do?

John
John

With an untamed passion and deep, eclectic knowledge of music, John is the soul of RadioWise UK. Having worked in the music industry for over two decades, his vision was to create a platform that embodies the love and respect for music. John is known for his great attention to detail and insatiable thirst for discovering new talents and music genres.