Boris Boogaloo – Looking Back (Floppy Records).

The first of two 2006 releases, Looking Back is a showcase for Boris’ songs rather than his voice which is rather throaty for the opener, Crazy World Without You. Boris adds drums and electric guitars (not a common occurrence as those who have listened to a Boris album before will testify) for this love cheat themed blues which doesn’t have any fireworks but is a good song nevertheless. North City Blues is given some backing vocals which add to the atmosphere on a slow song that is not really a blues as such. There’s some added production on Losers Always Get It Wrong but some beefier bass would lift this into an excellent country rock tune. We have to wait until the middle of the album for the best track and the eerie Island Lady suits Boris’ nasal voice to a tee. They’re coming thick and fast now and Loving Days is another that suits Boris’ voice but this time he has got rid of the throaty voice – a slow, understated folksy offering. He keeps the huskier side of his voice for Merry-Go-Round and adds wailing harmonica. This reeks of sadness and is one to be built on for the future. The short album finishes with Cheating Girl which is country flecked and has a Bryan Ferry style vocal. There are a few styles in here and a number of songs that could go on to be picked up by other artists.

www.floppyrecords.co.uk

David Blue.