De Rosa - Prevention

(Chemikal Underground)

ROCK & POP

When you hear a man from the central belt singing about blood and urine and snow it’s all too easy to conclude that we are swirling around in sub-Arab Strap territory. But move away from the red and yellow and white substances of ‘Under the Stairs’ and you’ll discover a vastly more eclectic record than those Falkirk chroniclers of urban decay and spiritual loss ever managed.

While the opening tracks drop unexpected hints of Elliott Smith and Pet Shop Boys fascinations, the De Rosa boys reach their own voice-finding zenith with the gorgeous ‘Stillness’ and the heartbreaking ‘It Helps to See You Hurt’. There should be nothing to stop Prevention from climbing some lofty peaks.