The Brag

We Were Promised Jetpacks
In The Pit Of The Stomach
Fat Cat Records
***

A review of WWPJ’s debut These Four Walls remarked that singer Adam Thompson seems like he wouldn’t be able to buy a packet of cigarettes without it turning into some all-consuming emotional crisis. And although meant as a joke, it’s very true – WWPJ have a knack for making the mundane seem momentous.

It seems to be a particularly Scottish trait, one that labelmates Frightened Rabbit and The Twilight Sad have been doing for years. WWPJ overlap with the sound of both bands, although they beat the former for sheer epicness and have the edge on the latter for the strength of the emotions. There’s a touch of Mogwai (more Scots!) in the instrumental builds, but rather than their slowly-unfolding climaxes, WWPJ play everything with an almost punk energy, propelling the listener inescapably toward the crescendo.

But as terrific as the band are, it’s Thompson who’s their greatest weapon. His hushed, warm brogue whispers intimate nothings in your ear, drawing you into these small-scale dramas. His lyrics are more observational than oblique, but every so often they sum up a situation with devastating insight. And when the time comes to let loose, as he roars his betrayals over gigantic walls of sound, you can feel the catharsis – his and your own. There’s nothing on here quite so spectacular as ‘It’s Thunder & It’s Lightning’ from their debut, but there are plenty of hair-raising moments – ‘Act On Impulse’, ‘Sore Thumb’ and ‘Human Error’, especially.

WWPJ are sticking with their formula, but this album sees them taking the time to craft their songs, rather than just going straight for the jugular. An engrossing album that gets better with every listen.

Hugh Robertson