A few weeks ago we were reminded what a great band The Jam were when Snap! was re-released. As if a further reminder were needed, here comes Good Shoes. They desperately try to emulate Weller's finest moments, but fall a long way short.
You already know the score as far as the sound goes: a wirey bass that doesn't really concern itself with sounding remotely bassy, those sharp guitar interjections (usually referred to as 'angular') and a vocal from Rhys Jones that yelps along like an overexcited terrier.
It's not that the song itself is entirely terrible, but it lacks invention and spark. Despite proclaiming "We Are Not the Same", the problem lies in the fact that Good Shoes are actually very similar to hundreds of other bands inspired by the likes of The Futureheads, and The Jam. You know, the kind of bands that are probably playing the toilet venues in your town tonight. Pitted against the wit and inspired lunacy of a band such as The Young Knives (a band that don't sound entirely dissimilar); Good Shoes simply can't measure up.
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