Republica are one of those bands who should never be allowed to release albums. Singles, yes; long players, no. On the basis of their early single Ready to Go and From Rush Hour With Love, both storming assaults mixing electronica with punk and pop, it's obvious they can do better than this. Many tracks from Speed Ballads, their second album, have the potential to be good songs but they never quite make it.

Nothing's Feeling New would benefit from lyrics which don't sound like the TV Times contents page, allowing a good tune to go to waste. Try Everything is almost wonderful, a shouting, growling anthem. The chorus seems slightly 'I wrote this when I was 9' but all attention goes to the gorgeous tine behind it.

Then there's songs which never even get off the ground. ading of the Man - the tale of a man so dull you're wishing he would disappear is overly dramatic wailing synthesisers. Similarly, Luxury Cage lulls you into a coma and even that seems preferable to the subsequent diabolical track Faster Faster. The last 3 tracks barely deserve a mention; faceless rehashed 80s nonsense. Pub Pusher attempts a very odd orchestral interlude but it fails to sweep you off your feet in the manner intended.

It's poor, considering what they've released as singles. As Saffron wails herself, halfway through, 'Just give it up get me out' and we'll all be a lot happier.

4/10 Maddie Cross

Album Reviews
The Music Bar