THE POPPYCOCKS - 'LOVEBIRDS'

The ship was to be a good ship, the crew were capable men, and the captain thoroughly understood his business. It was named The Poppycocks.

They'll be found off the blustery coastal region of Brighton - four men with wind in their hair and songs in their hearts - Miles Poppycocks (vocals / guitar), The Captain (bass / vocals), Willis (guitar / keyboards) and least we forget the man known as Mr Pugh (drums). Combined as one they are The Poppycocks. Four similar souls, with a liking for fanciful verse and song of the most catchy variety.

Anyone who's been lucky enough to witness them in live action will know what to expect, but for those who haven't - here is the evidence - their debut single 'Lovebirds'. Straight away you know your going to be in for something of a treat with the title track - guitars jangle, xylophones glisten and suddenly your smiling like a lighthouse. As with all good songwriters, their songs bring to life characters and stories - and The Poppycocks do that brilliantly here, with a cursory tale of a courting couple who become separated through imprisonment. Hear that chorus? "Danny says I'm so in love / I will wait for for / Molly says I'm so in love / I will wait for you" - oh it'll be in your head for days.

When asked "what news from the sea?" the fish replied "I have a lot to say, but my mouth is full of water". Fresh from those words of wisdom, we move on to the b-side 'Tenderhooks' ? that appears to be a whimsical story of yearning to be a fish and going back to the sea. Mermaid love perhaps? Its a dreamy song alright - the melody gently washing over you like the spring tides. Infact this song could easily be a single in its own right.

After all that merriment, its more than fair to say that for a debut effort, this really is a bit special - two songs with a distinct English nature to them, that are wonderfully different from the majority you hear these days. Think the Kinks with a slight nautical persuasion, playing the songs of Belle & Sebastian, and you may have a glimmer of what The Poppycocks are all about. Seafaring power-pop anyone?

With that, the vessel rolled steadily, dipping her bowsprit now and then with a whiff of spray. Everyone was in the bravest of spirits - for they knew that this was just the beginning of their adventure.

9/10

Ian Chambers, Sept '06

Release Date: 9th October

www.myspace.com/thepoppycocks