Glen Matlock & The Philistines

Born RunningPeppermint **

Let's hear it for the old school? Well, perhaps, perhaps not. Glen Matlock, an original Sex Pistol kicked out of the band for having the nerve to like The Beatles, is an experienced hand at guitar riffage and, lest it be forgotten, writing a cracking tune (as the first four Pistols singles attest to), so Born Runningisn't the work of a slouch. What is obvious, however, is that musicians such as Matlock play as much to their strengths as to their weaknesses, and what lies in between can often be mediocre retreads of their better days. There is a mixture of each on this album; the likes of T.R.O.U.B.L.E.and Rock Chick(those titles!) sag under the weight of cliche, but Timebomb(co-written by one-time punk siren Patti Palladin), Something Tells Meand Electricitydisplay sparks and melodic twists that ache for the confines of a small venue. See glenmatlock.com

Download tracks: Timebomb, Something Tells Me