SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: THE NAMES – ENCORE!

THE NAMES
ENCORE!
SPLEEN+ RECORDS

In 1981, The Names released their first single on the famed Factory Records. It wasn’t their debut, but the Brussels band did release a single, “Night Shift”, which was produced by Martin Hannett, who had produced Joy Division and New Order, and it became a cult classic. They went on to sign with Les Disques du Crépuscule and released their debut album Swimming in 1982. By 2015, they had returned to a newly formed Factory (Factory Benelux).

Encore! is a very interesting album. Musically, it picks up where their last album left off. There is a lot going on with this album, and although the band wears their influences on their sleeves, it is not a problem. They create their own style by merging these influences. At times you can be forgiven for thinking you are listening to an older album, recently discovered. This is not a bad thing or a criticism, it is fine, but the band does have one foot in the past.

Michel Sordinia is a talented vocalist/lyricist. He has a way of expressing himself that is unique and exciting. Some may find his lyrics a little dark and depressing. The tribute to Factory Records and that time of the late 1970s and early 1980’s in the moving “Far From The Factories”. The title track even name checks Edgar Allan Poe:

“So the Raven lied/
So Edgar was wrong.
Yes, time goes by/
But I am staying strong”.

He even throws in the famous speech from Grapes Of Wrath in “Watching For The New World”. All of this makes for a fascinating listening experience.

Musically, there are moments of Jazz Butcher, Happy Mondays, and yes, even Joy Division/New Order. However, in the end, The Names make their own sound and their own distinct style of music. It reminds one of another era, but that is ok, because they were there. In many regards, they are merely returning to their roots.

The Names have not released a great many albums or singles, so new music from them is always welcome. This album has a great deal to discover within its grooves and it is the kind of album that has different sounds with every spin on the turntable. Encore! is a welcomed return.

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