Ultravox // Brilliant

Ultravox - Brilliant (EMI)

Dear oh dear oh dear. Right. Ultravox did Vienna, we all know and love that song. And what else did they do? Er, can’t remember, except that Midge Ure did Live Aid. For me, they have always been a one hit wonder, although to many others they were considered pretty big in the electronic 80’s, akin to Human League or even Soft Cell. They have decided to join the ranks of musicians reforming in this the 21st century of our world; it’s pretty awful, people. Firstly, it’s called Brilliant. Bad move number one because clearly, this raises one’s expectations way, way beyond any possible heights. Secondly, it’s really terrible music. Imagine, if you will, an album of failed entries for Eurovision circa 1989. Or even an aged and zimmer-framed Take That still trying to lay down the “grooves” when they should in fact be smoking pipes contentedly in their sheds. It’s turgid, it’s predictable, none of the songs stand out and it’s all just so 80’s but not in a good way, more in a way that suggests that Ultravox have not actually heard any music since the aforementioned decade. I suppose someone must still feel some sense of nostalgic love for them, as they have a 27 date UK tour approaching...or maybe everyone wants to hear Vienna one last time before we all die. I’d rather listen to paint dry, myself.