The Blue Orchids - Righteous Harmony Fist

Martin Bramah is one of the most unappreciated men in the whole history of Rock and Roll. As a pivotal member of The early Fall and as leader of The Blue Orchids, the band he broke away from them with Una Baines to form at the end of the Seventies, he has one of the most interesting perspectives expressed in British music over the last forty years and in their latest album Righteous Harmony Fist, he furthers and refines that vision.

The record is aptly named. It might as well be a mission statement. Bramah's way of doing things was always complimentary but contrasting from that of his former compadre and rival Mark E. Smith. Sharing the same wry, cynical take on the world but varying in terms of their tastes and musical approach, you suspect that Bramah veered towards Television while Smith preferred The Stooges. Bramah leaned towards a certain order while Smith favoured discord.

As if to underline this, Bramah deals in a more linear narrative too. Every song on Righteous Harmony Fist tells a story. About how the way the powers that be dictate how life should be lived is not the only path through the woods. About how nine to five is a cruel constraint, about how in the words of perhaps Bramah's most famous song, we are all victims of a 'bad education' and need instead to set ourselves our own curriculum.

Righteous Harmony Fist should certainly be on the reading list. As with much of Bramah's work it feels like we're experiencing a highly enjoyable but educational magic mushroom trip. Landscaped by reeling hallucinogenic melody, woozy organ, slapping drums, keening guitars. And all the time Bramah's flat but urgent vocals. In addition to the early Fall incarnation which he played in the closest reference points are probably the early Teardrop Explodes and Bunnymen. The Doors too. Oh and Seventies children's TV classic The Magic Roundabout. Bramah's best known statement is the Orchid's first album, 1982's The Greatest Hit, where he first really laid down his manifesto. This sounds to me like the best thing he's done since.