The Dykeenies - 'Stitches'

With a fanatical fan base behind them and a couple of great radio crushing singles already in their wake, The Dykeenies return to eye up a U2 sized anthem. This takes their usually cutting synth pop and tries to send it into the stratosphere, with effects, a huge sound and a big “Everyone sing along now” chorus. If only it were that simple… ‘Stitches’ is a real disappointment, an utter damp squib of a single. The main surprise is that this isn’t issued with its own cigarette lighter or mobile phone, to hold up at live performances.

While the skyscraper sound may have seemed a good idea, it only robs the band of any charm, leaving a lumpen hollow shell behind. Even usually expressive front man Brian Henderson sounds dwarfed, his cries of “Still, I adore the taste of rain” failing to leave any impression. Stitches is a big misstep by the Glasgow quintet, and while this may secure them some more radio airplay, it also places them perilously close to middle of the road territory.

Released 10/09/07 on Lavolta Records