SPARE SNARE

Sounds

John Peel faves lure Steve Albini to Scotland for catalogue overhaul

“We can’t do credible,” sings Jan Burnett on the quietly combative “We Are The Snare”, but clearly he’s mistaken, given Steve Albini recorded this Dundee quintet’s 13th album. Revisiting 10 tracks amassed over more than two decades, they combine Joy Division’s intensity – especially with, despite his heavy accent, Burnett’s blunt, Ian Curtis-like delivery – and a likable C86 amateurism, lending debut single “Super Slinky” a more muscular quality and switching 1995 Festive 50 fave “Bugs”’ fuzzy guitars for a solid, chugging approach. A fiercely motorik, lo-fi “I Am God” confirms they deserve more than ‘Scotland’s Best Kept Secret’ status.