The fact that I’m probably a generation older than your average music blogger means I have the edge when it comes to looking back on historical musical vehicles. Not sure if it helps or hinders though when I’m trying to establish whether a new act is any cop but one listen to the Permanent Smilers and I’d figured they’d be worth further inspection. Led by Richard Lemongrower (he has his own record label called Citrus Sounds you know) this is an act that pulls from the constituencies of a different time. The fact that the Permanent Smilers were there in the first place makes it all the more authentic. ‘Temporary’ has an early nineties feel that recalls the Wedding Present, Ned’s Atomic Dustbin and the Wonderstuff (check the grunge opening too). Nostalgia has an audience you see, even if that audience is now more preoccupied with nappies and mortgage rates than what is streaming piping hot from their stereos. If you’re still plugged in though the Permanent Smilers new album ‘Jazz Liberties’ is all the electricity you’ll ever need. KD

The Permanent Smilers - Temporary

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: The Permanent Smilers
Year: 2008