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This group must hold the record for lengthiest break between a first and second album. Sex With An X is the Vaselines’ first since their 1989 debut, Dum-Dum. (They broke up shortly after.) If the Scottish twee duo seem like a 90s alternative band, it’s because world-famous fan Kurt Cobain turned his legions onto them by covering three of their tunes. Without Cobain it’s hard to say whether this new album would exist.
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Frances McKee and Eugene Kelly had randy sides to them back in the 80s, and that hasn’t abated. The title track and Mouth To Mouth are prurient pop that demonstrate their knack for writing hooky choruses. Whitechapel, written from the perspective of Jack the Ripper, reveals a dark side beneath the upbeatness. However, the comeback’s standout is poison-dart ditty I Hate The 80s, giving us a well-needed reminder of all that stunk in the Day-Glo decade.
Top track: I Hate The 80s
The Vaselines slide into the Horseshoe Saturday (October 30).
