WIDEBOY GENERATION – NO TIME TO BE SHY
Released 16th July 2012

Words: John Newspeaker for Noise Addiction

An indie band in the true sense of the word, Wideboy Generation have self released three, heavily viewed, made for YouTube videos since the turn of the year, which serve as a cool little side dish before the main event. (Well, roman orgy, if the last two videos are anything to go by) bubbling under, their stock is on the rise. As I think how most bands would prefer their review, now is the time to cut the crap: No Time To Be Shy is a ten track tour de force, produced by living legend John Cornfield, (Oasis/Muse/Supergrass) it has the feel of a career changing effort from this band. Lack of funding aside I would suggest that there is little more than a hint of irony in putting the aptly titled DIY at track 1 with its magnetic opening guitar riff pulling you right into the song and subsequently into the whole album.

So now the door is open it would be rude not to step inside, and once in, the 2 minute 41 seconds of carnal knowledge that is Sylvia is waiting for you legs akimbo half way up the stairs. While some would blush, our three (minute/legged) heroes crack on, and this, the album’s title track shows a maturity way beyond their years with some serious kick arse musicianship. Next up is the poppy I Couldn’t Talk which is basically ‘the’ money spinner if they ever do ‘that’ American tour and only Wideboy know the story of who exactly they are singing about but along with Typical Blonde it ties in nicely and joins up the pieces. The dynamite stand out track Get Up, Get Out blows out the back doors dragging everyone with it, touching on all the bands influences, this epic is by far the darkest and most serious track of the 10, sounding almost like Audioslave in guitar terms but definitely Wideboy in vocal delivery. Now back on the street we get Looters!, a 2 and a half minute North London riot scene that will have you chanting ‘la la looters’ whether you want to or not.

A change in tempo and scenery with People Rollin’ sees WBG start to gather their street smart troops and lets us all cool down from a sprint to a march. This track is more funk than punk, and while very ska like in beat, is a straight up pop song. Throughout this album drummer Jamie has switches from double metal bass pedal to skate-punk ska and back again keeping Aiden the busy bass player tight as a nuns chuff in a mens prison. In to Forevermore is another epic sounding track not quite as fast as previous songs and feels like it’s been pulled from a musical rather than an album. And there standing at the back, Miss Pronounced rounds it all off nicely, and although the production is top drawer throughout most of this album this one track could sound slightly rushed; but by this journeys end it was hard to dampen my spirits.

So that was my audio trip with Wideboy Generation, why not jump on their magic bus and hitch a ride to the rock ‘n ‘roll party because there’s no time like the present and definitely No Time To Be Shy! Go buy your ticket at www.wideboygeneration.com