The same line up as Hex survived for this although sadly this is Marc Riley’s last album as him and Smith had run their course even coming to blows. He has built a fantastic radio career and seems a decent guy.
Room To Live had the band working on the songs in the studio and each musician does not appear on every track. Typical Smith not to capitalise on Hex.
Seven tracks only and we open with Joker Hysterical Face which has a single riff and settles into a groove, full band on this one and it shows.
Marquis Cha Cha is light and playful (can Smith be playful?) and sounds as if I could have played on it, I cannot hit a triangle so take from that what you will.
Hard Life In the Country sounds like a demo, not a criticism as I love it, and one can only assume this is the sound Smith wanted after the success of Hex.
Room to Live has a sax throughout and rolls along, its enjoyable enough but nothing out of the ordinary.
Detective Instinct is minimal and at nearly six minutes long meanders long, this is a band with two drummers, where the hell are they?
Solicitor in Studio we are back to the full band and it’s the best song on the album a driving beat and guitars swish about behind Smith delivering a powerful vocal.
This is the sixth album I have reviewed of The Fall and Papal Visit is without a doubt the worst song so far, terrible.
Not at their best but not a disaster. Steve Hanley not a fan so he knows better than me but give the first six tracks a listen as something of interest in them, if you never hear Papal Visit, seriously do not worry.
6.25/10
GIVE IT A STREAM: Solicitor in Studio