ALBUM REVIEWS

Sanjuro
I WANT MY MONEY BACK
SANJURO MUSIC 7.12.09
@www.vanguard-online.co.uk


This is the debut mini-album from multi-cultural gypsy folk quintet Sanjuro – having previously paid their dues busking outside a Tesco’s supermarket before progressing onto the dizzy heights of London’s lavatorial venue gig circuit.

As you’d expect they’re a giddy mixture of frenetic fiddle, guitars and accordion - think Beirut on acid. Vocals are a mixture of English and French, and the seven tracks included here are delivered with tonnes of boundless energy and enthusiasm.

First track ‘Tibby’s Song’ is chiefly instrumental save for a few hollered phrases and howls, and runs like a frantic European beer-cellar drinking song. ‘What Went Wrong’ follows a similar template but adds growled vocals and communally chanted ‘hey-ho’s’.

‘Leave Your Town’ bounces along with gleefully choppy strings, and a clarion call vocal encouraging you to ‘get up off from the couch/time to move it/time to shout.’ Final track ‘Get Away’ sees the band get a bit more expansive – and with a much less frenzied tone adopted, the song feels much more structured than previous fare. Overall this is an enjoyable romp, which shows some potential. Although a transition to inside Tesco’s on the shelves instead of playing impromptu gigs in the car park may be some way off.

Steve Claire

www.myspace.com/musicsanjuro