Appealing Distractions

Here's a nice little review of The Distractions at Rock Garden in London, that we've just come across. Keep an eye out on here for big news soon of not only of the forthcoming third Distractions album which was recorded last year. but also of the rather eagerly-awaited 'Parabolically Yours' definitive set...

DISTRACTIONS' Adrian Wright

THE DISTRACTIONS

Rock Garden, London

IF YOU'VE always had a soft spot for the Flamin' Groovies but got miffed 'cos they hardly ever tour, then transfer that affection for The Distractions forthwith.

They've been chugging along for about three years now and despite occasional outbursts of good press, still have to resort to playing tarted up fall-out shelters whenever this end of the M1. It would be OK if the house PA wasn't so shit, but then tolerating the appalling noise that characterised the first few minutes is part of the appeal of The Distractions.

Like The Grooves, they always manage to shamble through the set in the end, finishing at a peak which makes earlier grievances quite forgettable.

Guitarist Adrian Wright might have more hair than Cyril Jordan, but his mirrored shades are a great sop to stagemanship, even if the latter is mainly monopolised by Mike Finney. 

Dressed in a white summer jacket and black shoes, he still looks like one of the more unlikely vocalists around, but his voice and presence are a unique part of the band's personality. With t'other guitarist, Steve Perrin, he writes most of the songs, the majority of which are familiar to these ears and sound better all the time.

'Paracetamol Paralysis' is dedicated to one of the Island Press officers who is out "watching The Jags", while 'Waiting For Lorraine' was one of about six tunes that would make ideal chart material.