I Am Arrows/ Sun Comes Up Again

I Am Arrows
Sun Comes Up Again
(Vertigo)

Like a finger click from a hypnotist, the words ‘former Razorlight man’ can trigger instant and sustained groaning in a music journalist, at least until someone wags a finger at you and shouts: “THIS IS NOT JOHNNY BORRELL’S SIDE PROJECT – IT’S THE DRUMMER ANDY BURROWS’ SO DON’T BE SO JUDGEMENTAL!”
After this you’d hold your hands up and say, “Wait a minute, you’re right! You shouldn’t judge a book its cover. I’ll keep an open mind.”
Despite all this however, one look at the ‘crafty’ artwork on this album (which features some sort of wooden sea) and it’s hard not to wonder if your gut instinct will turn about to be resoundingly correct.
First let’s say this: fair play to Burrows for getting out from behind his drumkit and playing a variety of instruments. He’s undoubtedly talented and has a pleasant enough voice, which is used here to create a sleepy sepia-coloured 70s vibe (yawn) which sounds like, er… (zzz) where was I again? (wipes drool off keyboard) ah yes: this is essentially competent if ultimately rather boring stuff.
This record might arouse some interest among fanatical Midlake fans who those who worship at the altar of meandering folk-rock, but for anybody else I Am Arrows are nothing to get excited about.