The band formed around 1994 in Hounslow, London and were initially called the Bottlegarden. They had been touted as the next Oasis or Stone Roses, and although have never quite made it that big, have always had a loyal following, and come up with fine tunes. They are certainly more creative than most, with a style most definitely their own. The second album perhaps showed more creativity than passion, whist this one sees a more basic approach to their music. The first track Zorrro gets your feet tapping immediately, and other little gems like the waltz-ey Tiger Lily and the more quirky Mudslide show that they never lose sight of a good tune within their vivid imagination.
Blood Bubble is an instrumental, but stands up as a song in it's own right.
The Home Fires Burning has a lovely nostalgic English feel reminiscent of tea and toasted crumpets, given extra atmosphere by the brass band accompaniment. Whilst this album is not perfect, and some tracks are definitely better than others, the Bluetones have stuck with what they do best, and still have a very relevant role in pop and rock today. Here, there is no adverse attitude, just quality, style and top tunes. What a relief. The Last Of The Great Navigators 3.