BN Deluxe - This Machine
5/10
Back in 1980, whilst Norwich was still synonymous with Bonds, Andy's Records and Pizza One Pancakes Too, a local band came within a hair's breadth of breaking it. Via Radio 1 sessions with John Peel, and a recording contract with Epic Records, it looked as though Screen 3 were set for national recognition.
But, as we all know, the Curse of the Outer Ring Road struck again, and yet another Norwich band failed to ignite nationally, due partly to our topographic exclusion zone.
Only now, with the dualling of the A11, are record companies finally waking up to the cultural hub within Norfolk, and hence the necessity for initiatives like Norwich Sound & Vision and Culture Works East.
Neil Dyer and Brett Cooper, founder members of Screen 3, are still active musically and have just released their second album This Machine. Whilst still reflecting nostalgically on an era of Spandau Ballet, Roxy Music and Heaven 17, the new material justifiably reawakens the asseveration of a Screen 3 reunion.
To be honest, the new material is unlikely to garner plaudits from the Swagger & Jacks hipsters, but there are probably enough Norfolk archivists and nostalgics to welcome this return to the studio. Let's hope they can soon get a band together and start performing their material live.
5/10
