God, is it really six years since Spermbirds released the quite stunning 'Set An Example'?  Seeing as it's been high on the Sutton rotation for the whole of that time it's no wonder I lost track of time.  So when this release snook out I was both excited and anxious, excited as the brilliance of 'Set An Example' was very much fresh in the mind, and anxious as it's always hard to follow such a storming release.  So was my anxiety justified?  Initially, I must be honest and say "yes, I was a little under whelmed".  However, having lived with the record for a few weeks now would you just believe it, "I fucking love it".  You know what they say about the best albums being growers, well let "A Columbus Feeling" be a shining example of that very saying.

Despite Frank Rahm no longer being in the band, it's still pretty much the Spermbirds we've grown to love over the years.  Roger Ingenthron's trademark guitar still cuts through every song, and Lee Hollis' vocal delivery is still as uncurbed as ever. Opener 'Matter Of Fact' harks back to their 'Eating Glass' album with its off-kilter verses and sing-along chorus. The title track has a quirky banjo intro (recorded in a music shop on a laptop apparently) before setting off on a classic Hollis rant. There's great dyed-in-the-wool hardcore on here, caustic social commentary and more musical styles than I've had hot dinners all superbly executed Spermbirds-style.  If you want to jump around you've got 'Stacks And Piles' and 'Can't Live Without It'.  If you want something more brooding you've got 'Honestly'.  If you just want brilliant songs, take your pick; 'Legend Of The Honest Man' and 'Black In A Rainbow' will satisfy anyone who loves good honest trendless rock music.

Another great album that will hopefully get aired on their upcoming UK tour.  Please let that be true.....please come to the UK soon.

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