"Borrell, you want it? You really want it? You've watched your ex-bandmates in The Libertines spiral into psychosis and self-destruction and you still think, "I'll have me a bite of them biscuits"? Well, don't say we didn't warn you, here it comes. Razorlight are the saviours of Lahndahn Tahhn's urchin rock revolution and their testes-trembling Television tribute of a debut single 'Rock'N'Roll Lies' - the jagged jubilation of The Strokes married to the anti-Man cynicism of a teenage Lou Reed - will be the most electrified jitterpunk anthem you'll snort crystal meth and go bastard mental to down Trash all year. Now don't blame us, Johnny, if you're pulling tricks for methadone down King's Cross within six months."
Eddie Smack
"For a while, it looked like Britain was getting left behind in the resurgence of rock. Who did we have? OK, The Libertines, but for one time member Johnny Borrell, they didn't really have the proper ambition, so what did he do? Went off and formed his own band, and what a band they are. Specialising in syncopated guitar-sparring, instantly hummable melodies and an attitude that shouts "we're 21, talented and good-looking - come and get it!" You will. You will. "
Toby Manning
"Londoners Razorlight have been frequently compared with Noo Yawk’s The Strokes and you can see why with the common influence of Television writ large in this their debut release. All four tracks tip a nod to one degree or another to the Marquee Moon-ers but they have the craft and guile to add a soupcon of English noo wave to the mix too. Most instantly appealing is b-side Action which has the addition of a catchy ska moment or two but across all the tracks there’s skiploads of worthy riffery."
Paul M
"The imminent return of The Undertones might be a little worrying for London’s Razorlight, given their penchant for hooks likely to bring a tear to John Peel’s eye, but then again the rapidly-fracturing state of The Libertines will give them heart. By now you will have figured that Razorlight bear more than a passing resemblance to both outfits, but since when was the availability of an easy reference or two an obstacle to blanket praise? Here’s something that is unusual though: this quartet deserve every plaudit thrown their way. If feeling does more you for you than any supposed ‘originality’ then make your way to a Razorlight show, for these boys will make you feel like an eternal teenager, which is ALWAYS a good thing."
Gillian Nash
"Londoners Razorlight have been attracting some excited punditry thanks to support slots with the Libertines, the Von Bondies and The Rapture. This single, recorded at retro-rock mecca Toerag, is essentially Sonic Youth's 'Teenage Riot' with Jarvis Cocker on vocals. This is a formidable template - no two ways about it - but, as we enter the fourteenth phase of the garage revival, it's hardly the most refreshingly original tune on the block."
GH
"Imagine the E Street Band on a diet of new wave and fronted by Bill 'Smog' Callaghan. Great in theory, even better in reality. With 'Rock'N'Roll Lies' and its nagging signature riff, Razorlight have lit the touch paper for British rock's fight back "
Owen Hopkin
"Although they're NME darlings already, Razorlight prove that you can't always judge a book (or a band) by it's cover (press) cos Rock 'n' Roll Lies (Vertigo) is a cracking example of how Brit rock is fighting back after years of American domination, even though it's suffused with the sound of The Strokes (remember them?). More please!"
"3 minutes 6 seconds of angular guitar pop heaven."
"The Libertines have a new single out this week which is okay, and Razorlight have their debut single out, which wins the best Libertines Single of the Week! Well to be fair it's actually track 3 'Yeah Yeah Yeah' on their debut single 'Rock'n'roll Lies' that sounds most like the bickering former hookers, but obviously if this band can lay off the brown they are the next great white indie guitar hope. It's all nice and spiky and catchy, and the songwriting shows more than a little promise, but it's early days yet so we'll have to see how things pan out for them. And we're willing to give them the benefit of the doubt if it's just for the fact they've not preceded their name with a 'The'."
Jeremy Allen
"Razorlight's debut single is the energy of their live gigs wrapped up in neat cd packaging and sent home with us for our listening pleasure. Not only is there "Rock 'n' Roll Lies", but by some twisted fate they have consigned the brilliant and soon to be legendary "In The City" to the flip of a rather limited 7". Let's hope it isn't left there. Oh, and the b-sides to the CD single are pretty darn fabulous too."
Kirsty W.
" Featuring an ex member of the Libertines, ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Lies’ strays away from the usual thrashing racket in your face formula and instead prefers to creep up behind you as it neatly goes for a considered approach. Pitched with a decadent 70’s feel that’s more Jonathan Richman than Television, and on closer inspection betrays a sense of early ‘Transformer’ era Lou Reed boogying on down with the Strokes, just wait for the colliding guitars at the riotous finale. ‘In the City’ on flip takes a second to kick in as the chords charge up moving distractingly from a stroll to a race midway through until it literally melt s the wax on the turntable"
mark@losingtoday.com