For the most part raw rock ‘n’ roll, what makes them stand out from companions like Biffy Clyro and Jetplane Landing is the much greater variety on offer here. Admittedly, single ‘Keep It To Yourself’ and opening track ‘A Kick In The Mouth’ are just two of many moments revealing a heavy debt to early Nirvana and, pleasant as they are, could’ve been the work of hundreds of identikit rock bands. But Reuben aren’t afraid to slow things down either, as on ‘Nobody Loves You’, ‘Boy’ or the seven minute epic ‘Return Of The Jedi’.

While no track here’s really a duff, the highlights are when they twist – rather than completely depart from – their usual formula. ‘Blamethrower’, for example, is a punky little number, distinguished by a spoken word voiceover on the folly of telling people what they want to hear. The other song to stand out is also candidate for title of the year – ‘Every Time a Teenager Listens to Drum & Bass a Rockstar Dies – yet lives up to the moniker with it’s ironically D&B-tinged intro and catchy chorus.

I’m not sure I’d call Reuben very fast, or very dangerous, but they have made a very solid – if not quite spectacular – album that fans of the genre will lap up, and that might even surprise a few others too.

(4/5)

Release Date: 12 September 2005

Very Fast Very Dangerous  Check For Live Dates