Small Engine Repair's debut full-length album is out since the 27th Jan. 'Serve yourself' is the name of it and contains 12 well worked and meticulously thought tracks . The band from Hereford formed by Phil Twigg, Tom Harrington, Pedro Kirk and Dan Lewis has recorded the album in the isolation of a house and the result has been somewhat interesting. They are classified inbetween Americana, Folk and Alternative; this album is a combination that brings along remarkable tunes that intend to dig deep with its lyrics.
After a seven track release in 2011 'An introduction to Small Engine Repair' and a Double Summer Single, the band decided to produce their debut album themselves. For those who never heard of them, and as they declare in their site, their name is a good hint. Always going for small and 'recycling' if possible: Small is beautiful. They like to think of themselves as an opposition to wider popular music that's lost strong and meaningful lyrics these days.
'Serve yourself' is a pleasant musical journey with unmissable stops. At least, where I'd stop. Not far, very first track 'Pretty Hateful' is one of my favourites. Simple but straight and with a twist of negative thinking. Those who like it will be happy to know that there's a reprise of it later on in the album. 'God's given up on him' obscure and rough spoken words that are worth a listen as well. Particularly enjoyed 'Beautiful fool' featuring an intense organ, emanating a feeling of melancholy.
There's little instrumental experiments such as 'Sweet Bleakness' and the song that name the album 'Serve Yourself' leaves you with a deep existencial dilemma. Phil's voice and guitar are leading roles as that was their intention. It's hard to tag them and that's probably a good thing. Good news is that there's no need to as long as there's something that makes you want to listen to them.
So now you know and if you feel like it it's easy, just serve yourself.
Words: Berta Manau
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