SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: BRONSKI BEAT – AGE OF CONSENT (40th ANNIVERSARY EDITION)

BRONSKI BEAT
AGE OF CONSENT (40th ANNIVERSARY EDITION)
LONDON RECORDS/UNIVERSAL MUSIC

Age Of Consent was, and is, a groundbreaking album. Musically, Bronski Beat successfully combines disco and electronic music to create something that has been commonplace since the album’s release. Donna Summer and Giorgio Moroder may have used synths for their disco classics, but here, Bronski Beat brought in experimental electronica sounds and disco/pop. Mix it all together, and you have an incredible album. And let us not forget the lyrics. Here was an album that bravely addressed the struggles, concerns, and triumphs of LGBTQ+ communities at a time when these discussions were not happening in mainstream conversation. Bronski Beat brought it all into the spotlight and broke down some of those barriers. It was all done to a heavy beat and wonderful melodies.

This new set, celebrating the band’s 40^th anniversary, is an extremely well put-together collection of assorted rarities. It opens with Somerville’s emotional vocals, bringing in the angry and heartfelt song “Why?”. It is stunning, even 40 years later. “Tell me why/Tell me why” are the first words we hear and then the music kicks in with a crash. It is a brilliant opening that certainly gets the album going in style. Then the band moves into a remarkable remake of George Gershwin’s “It Ain’t Necessarily So”. It is quite a humorous way to start the album, and at the same time makes a very strong point.

“Smalltown Boy” needs no introduction and is as powerful today as it was when it was first released. The deeper lesser-known album cuts are also well-worth listening to, and this collection is a good place to revisit them. Songs like the bluesy “No More War”, and the slow burn of “Love & Money”, are strong songs that show a very different side to the band. They also close the album with a tip of the hat to Donna Summer’s and Giorgio Moroder’s “I Feel Love”, which they mix with the 1960 John Leyton’s song “Johnny Remember Me”. It is a perfect medley and a beautiful way to end the album.

As for bonus material, there is a great deal for fans to enjoy. The single version of “I Feel Love/Johnny Remember Me”, featuring Marc Almond, is featured. This is the perfect pairing, and it works so well that one would wish they had done a lot more together. There are also radio performances, with new and old remixes (“Small Town Boy (Planningtorock’s ‘The Love That You Need’ Rework)” is phenomenal). It makes for a very interesting listen.

A DVD is also included, featuring their dramatic videos, Top Of The Pops performances, as well as original television commercials for the album. Of course, if you don’t want the big set, a two-CD set is available with a good selection of bonus tracks. It is a well put together box set full of information and details.

By 1985, it was all over. Jimmy Somerville had left the band, the record label scrambled to release the compilation album Hundreds & Thousands, and the band splintered. Somerville would go on to form The Communards before pursuing a solo-career. Bronski Beat recruited a new lead singer, John Foster, and they released Truthdare Doubledare. Age Of Consent, however, is back with lots of goodies for fans to enjoy and maybe even earn some new fans. It is a very welcomed return.

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