‘Beautiful Curse’ is the Quireboys’ seventh studio record and for fans of the self-styled Gypsy rockers it doesn’t disappoint. Even though it has been a long time since their last release - Halfpenny Dancer in 2009 - Spike and the gang pick up seamlessly from where they left off and deliver another fine, polished rock ‘n’ roll album.
It has taken the boys a while to actually get to the studio and produce this album, and fans will note that some of the tracks featured have been part of their setlists for a while. The 12 tracks that make up ‘Beautiful Curse’ are a good balance of classic Quireboys and a more up-to-date sound.
The record gets underway with Too Much of A Good Thing, a song that fits perfectly with Spike’s ‘lived-in’ voice and that could, should he ever require one, serve as his theme tune. Chain Smokin’, meanwhile, has a seedy tempo and simple, effective lyrics.
Talk of the Town is an inoffensive number and while it sounds a little dated, it’s easy to imagine it being a crowd pleaser in a live setting.
The album’s undoubted highlight arrives with Homewreckers And Heartbreakers, which packs a punch with some bluesy vocals, slide guitar and keyboards.
Although Beautiful Curse sticks to a tried and tested formula, one that has been perfectly honed by the band for nearly 30 years, it still manages to sound fresh.
The band’s influences are ever-present but it remains unmistakeablyQuireboys - there are sing-along anthems, comments on life’s ups and downs and bar-room melodies that will remain in your head for weeks.
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