Glen Tilbrook and The Fluffers "Pandemonium Ensues"

Squeeze stalwart, Tilbrook has always been one of my personal favorites (and my best concert experience), so I am happy to review his first full album with his band The Fluffers. Unlike earlier solo works, Glenn goes everywhere with this set, but it’s far from “Pandemonium.” Starting with the jaunty Cajun melody of “Best of Times” it starts off a bit like a Dan Zanes album for grown ups. The songs are short and sweet, and even Fluffer bassist Lucy Shaw gets to sing lead on “Product.” Glenn is back with an angry rant on “Slaughtered Artist” but it doesn’t sit right. However I enjoy his mid-tempo melody much more on the compelling “Still.” The soaring group harmonies of “Relentless Pursuit” are pleasing, but again I enjoy solo Glenn more on “Melancholy Emotion.” He still has that awesome pop vocal and songwriting smarts. Another ballad “Little Ships” is another quality song where Glen again explores the transient nature of performing. More highlights are on “Happy Disposition” and light breezy pop of “Black Sheep” but if you are still longing for a Squeeze record, you’ve arrived about 12 years too late, as this is more of an ensemble piece. The Fluffers include Johnny Depp (yes, the actor), who speaks over a lot of psychedelic effects and spacey instrumental keyboards in “Too Close to The Sun” and while it’s interesting in a Syd Barrett sort of way, it’s ultimately forgettable. There are enough Tilbrook signature tunes to keep fans interested here, but for others it may fall flat.