The Vichy Government - 'Whore In Taxis' (Filthy Little Angels) Released 23/05/05

In 1940’s France a government emerged, a government which sent possibly 10’s of thousands of jews to their deaths and imprisoned even more of their own people, a government which gave alliance to the Germans even though their land was unoccupied by Nazi troops…. That government was The Vichy Government and almost 70 years later it has lent its name to a duo trying to make it in the lucrative world of music.  

Ok Ok enough of the history lesson, the band have wittingly established themselves on an attempt at controversy, they have grabbed our attention with their intelligent (if a little pretentious) name, but can they keep it.

They could adhere to the usual shock tactics employed by many bands desperate for attention, a few swear words here and there, some angry lyrics screamed over the top of an even angrier bass, but these guys have chosen an altogether different route.  Make your point quietly and people are more likely to listen. The duo are not attempting a Green day style rant at world politics, they understand that the world is more likely to be shaken by a whisper.

Jamie Manners will literally talk you round the world throughout ‘Whores in Taxis’ in his captivating Irish accent.  You will visit ‘The Loneliest man in ancient Rome’ and ‘Oliver Cromwell in Welmar Berlin’ meet ‘Mickey Mouse’ a ‘Serbian Warlord’.  The two stand out tracks are ‘How to Become a Cult figure’ and ‘The Immortals’ both feature intelligent lyrics ("The immortals are rotting from the inside out, the silicone melts and drips out of their arse") and a simple yet stylish keyboard background.  (Which strangely enough in places sounds like the kind of thing you learn in GCSE music class – but still works)

The album is distinctive and a rarity that can’t be compared to anything else. IT is unlikely to have any middle ground fans, it will either be loved or hated.  To some people it will be caviar to others it will be plain old fish eggs.