Stars Of CCTV
Atlantic, 2006
rating: 2.5/5
reviewer: filmore mescalito holmes

I respect what HARD-Fi had to do to get where they are today. Proving that The Clash comparisons run deeper than the odd dubby bassline, these Middlesex Brits actually did it all themselves. They had toured on their own dime and self-released the bulk of this album as an EP of the same name back in late 2004. Recorded in an abandoned taxi office, the EP sparked a modest label bidding war which saw its rights purchased by RIAA Cerberus Atlantic. NME kicked the hype machine into maximum overdrive and here we are. As impressive as that run is, I'm still left wondering as to why. While Richard Archer's lyrics carry a little more political weight than most new bands cracking the MTV daytime line-up, there isn't much about Stars Of CCTV that hasn't already been done and better (especially by The Clash). In the meantime, Radio 4 is struggling to come up with sales. That's not right, damn it!

1. Cash Machine
2. Middle Eastern Holiday
3. Tied Up Too Tight
4. Gotta Reason
5. Hard To Beat
6. Unnecessary Trouble
7. Move On Now
8. Better Do Better
9. Feltham Is Singing Out
10. Living For The Weekend
11. Stars Of CCTV