SHARPENER (2LP/1 RED 1 BLUE VINYL/GATEFOLD) | VINYL RECORD (LP)

After the phenomenal success of 2016's critically-acclaimed Sharpener, which hit number 3 in the iTunes jazz charts and number 14 in the Independent Album charts, Hackney Colliery Band present a double vinyl version of the album, featuring three bonus dancefloor-friendly tracks. On the back of two hugely successful albums and almost constant touring, HCB's third album Sharpener shows the band on more confident form than ever, with powerful new electronic elements and a dancefloor sensibility adding to the jazz, rock and soul for which they are known. Building on the strength of their critically-acclaimed original writing, Sharpener has a powerful set of originals at it's core, alongside a trio of leftfield covers in the shape of Nirvana's "Heart-Shaped Box", Kwabs's "Wrong Or Right", and Three Trapped Tigers' "Cramm". With the addition of three covers, this vinyl release resounds with the humor, musicianship, and charm which HCB are known for. "Heroes", a bouncy tribute to the late David Bowie, "Rolling In The Deep" was commissioned as part of the band's 45 minute set at the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games, and "Give It Up", as heard on the 2016 Ambrosia Deluxe custard advertisement. Album opener "Jump Then Run" echoes the sound of the legendary Moondog, while "Gather Your Wits" is a roof-raising rumble of brass and rebellious behavior. "Wrong Or Right", a soulful version of London soul star Kwabs's great tune, comes to life with juicy menace before "The Morning", an uplifting and anthemic arrangement, builds into joyous hedonism. "When You Know" gives space to the band's superb jazz chops, while album title track "Sharpener" is a big, bold, brassy, and utterly mesmerizing affair. It's perhaps the band's outstanding arrangements which sets them apart. From the intricacies of "Timelapse" to the introspection of "Reawake", from the punky rock groove of "It's Normally Bigger" (based on a true story) to the rave jazz of "Bread And Circuses", the arrangements throughout showcase writers Steve Pretty, Olly Blackman, and Luke Christie's contrasting styles and ability to switch from screaming energy to moody introspection, from cutting-edge jazz to dancefloor rave, proving that Hackney Colliery Band is not just another party brass band blowing through the usual pop covers. Double LP comes on heavyweight vinyl, one red, one blue; Comes in a gatefold sleeve.