Razorlight are a damn fine band, having kicked it hard in London's East London ghettos for innumerable months, earning respect with high octane performances in support of The Von Bondies, and similarly shambolic and dishevelled pals The Libertines (Borrell, is in fact, an ex Libertine), Razorlight have paid their dues and earned the right to spit their poetic venom to a wider angle.
Taking the raw and furious riot of The Clash, and pounding it with an Englishness more accustomed to The Libertines, Razorlight aren't just a heads-down three chord thrill, they have direction, a structure and are led by the eccentric, wild-eyed Borrell whose prose tells an interesting tale.
Debut single, 'Rock 'N' Roll Lies' bashes the living hell out of a curious Strokes groupie, whilst 'Rip It Up' unsurprisingly batters, delivers and salutes the garage punk hangers on. Set closer 'In The City' is as relevant a nod to Patti Smith's soliloquy as New York's current invasion is to The Ramones and New York Dolls. Razorlight are so fresh, honest, and never give the impression they are merely trying to become a clone in order of a quick buck. Borrell's ramblings have that storytelling quality more akin to Ben Kweller, but refuse to subsidise truth for a catchy hookline and chorus.
So, maybe Peter Fame Academy has more than a few lessons to learn if he wishes to hone his 'indie' caricature on our screens for a while yet (Kate Lawler believes you if no-one else does Petey), so perhaps Borrell would be an advisable vocalist to emulate.
With originality, an ear for a tune, and a voice on so many different levels, Razorlight, our vote is with you. "
Jon Laurence - Logo Magazine