The Contrast “God of Malfunction”
Based in the UK The Contrast are a tight power pop band that has stood the test of time. After a label change to Wicked Cool Records, they return with a bright shining gem of an album. Starting with the solid “Underground Ghosts” it’s melodic jangle and tight arrangements make use of classic pop influences without sounding too retro. Producer Little Steven Van Zandt dubbed the single “Coming Back To Life” only “the coolest song in the world.” It’s hard to argue, as it’s a solid slice of catchy guitar pop, lead by Glasgow native David Reid’s strong vocal performance. “Take Me Apart” once again continues the hit parade, and these three energy filled hits are a tough act to follow. But it still hits with the stick-in-your-head melodic masterwork “Gone Forever” which reminds a bit of The Spongetones and The Minus Five. After the albums mid point the songs are merely very good instead of great, but they still manage to keep your attention. The band scratches a Bob Mould itch on “Thought You Were Strong” and “Better Than They Seem” channels XTC a bit. Overall, it’s the variety here that makes it a serious contender for my top ten list of 2010. Easily this is the band at it’s most accessible and energetic.

[From Powerpopaholic: The Reserves and The Contrast]

Friday, May 28
The Cavern Pub

12:15 TBA
1:00 Focal Point
1:45 The Anydays
2:30 Boston Manor
3:15 Krakatoa
4:00 The Deccas
4:45 The Beat Rats
5:30 The Ace
6:15 The Dukes Jetty
7:00 The Madd
7:45 Popgun
8:30 Karl Morgan & The Click
9:15 High Child
10:00 The Contrast

Friday, May 28
The Cavern Club
Front Stage

12:15 The Seasongs
1:00 Kelly’s Heels
1:45 The Corderoys
2:30 The Gurus
3:15 Yani Martinelli
4:00-6:00: John Lennon 70th Birthday Tribute6:15 Paul Bevoir
7:00 Cola Jet Set
7:45 Detox Cute & the Beauty Junkies 8:30 The Ragamuffins
9:15 Feel Dizzy
10:00 The Hype
10:45 The Dukes Jetty
11:30 The Madd
12:15 The Fuzzy Halo
1:00 The Fast Camels
1:45 Rockburn
2:30 Stars in Coma

Friday, May 28
The Cavern Club
Back Stage

2:00 The Seasongs
2:45 Bang 74
3:30 Feel Dizzy
4:15 High Child
5:00 The Fuzzy Halo
5:45 Jeremy
6:30 TBA
7:15 The Corderoys
8:00 The Anydays
8:45 The Gurus
9:30 Bruise
10:15 Twilight Birds
11:00 Karl Morgan & The Click
11:45 DC Tempest
12:30 Krakatoa
1:15 Empire
2:00 The Contrast
2:45 The Movers

It’s hard to fault a band like the Contrast, even if they blatantly retread an oft-used retro rock formula that bears witness to ‘60s and ‘70s influences and betray an unrelenting enthusiasm that finds practically every tune elevated larger than life. Now signed to Little Steven’s Wicked Cool Records, this cheery British band has been given full license to let their ambitions run wild, affirmed by the fact that the person who procured the producer’s chair is none other than Little Steven himself.

As a result, six albums on, the Contrast offer little contrast from their previous MO. Effusive indulgence turns songs like “Underground Ghosts,” “Take Me Apart” and “Gone Forever” into celebratory soirees chock full of rousing melodies, jangly guitars and gushing sentiment. The lavish production slate is further fleshed out by an arsenal of cellos, mellotrons, theramins, treated keyboards and an array of instruments well suited to their epoch ambitions. Even the occasional odd encounter – “I Am An Alien” comes specifically to mind – manages to retain an effervescent sheen. Which makes God of Malfunction a benevolent presence indeed.
–Lee Zimmerman

[From AMPLIFIER: THE CONTRAST]

With latest single “Coming Back To Life,” the Contrast brings you a sci-fi anthem that anyone can appreciate for its sophisticated musicianship. Led by Glasgow native David Reid, the U.K. group layers theremin, mellotron and other strings over kooky drum beats and wiry electric guitars to create a deceptively poppy and danceable tune with influences spanning from surf to psychedelia. “Coming Back To Life” was dubbed the “coolest song in the world” by Little Steven Van Zandt on his Underground Garage radio show, and you’ve gotta respect Reid as he throws down in the chorus, “We won’t change/We’ll screw the danger.” Pick up the album, God Of Malfunction (Wicked Cool). Magnet Magazine