Cargo Records

Postcode Wars EP

“North London never suited me”, admits Jonny Cola in lead track Postcode Wars. North London obviously wasn’t ready then for the next in a long line of quintessentially English (glam) rock frontmen. Like Bowie and Jarvis before him, Jonny is not afraid of either make-up, regional accents, silly coloured hair or writing a fucking insanely catchy (is that word still allowed?) pop song that will eat into your brain like it’s TOP OF THE POPS 1973 all over again.

Coming off the back of all this aurally triggered endorphin mayhem, there’s the other standout track on the EP, Alpha Male. Rolling in on some some vintage Human League synths, Jonny proves he’s not afraid of men either and unleashes a song full of unsentimental reflection and pathos. Meanwhile, on Summer Of Hate, twin guitarists Mauro and Jez get to flex their rock muscles over Marco and Simon’s pounding rhythm track. Oh, and it’s got a cowbell.

Closing song If I Leave You Sitting In The Dark (Just Let You Know) is as simple and intimate as its title is ostentatious. Postcode Wars is accompanied by a video which essentially updates classic NYC film The Warriors for the 21st century and relocates it in London. Watch it at tinyurl.com/postcodewars.

Amidst all the X Factors, cold mathematical indie funk and nu-morris men, Jonny Cola & The A-Grades remind us that you can still have fun with a Les Paul, eyeliner and some top pop tunes.