1990s - 'Cookies' (Rough Trade) Released 14/05/07

1990s have a great pedigree. Both vocalist/guitarist Jackie McKeown and bassist Jamie McMorrow were in the influential Yummy Fur, a group that also contained Franz Ferdinand’s Alex Kapranos and Nick McCarthy while drummer Michael McGaughrin was part of V-Twin. So it would be easy to portray them as some sort of Glasgow super group or as a band living off past glories. Thankfully, 1990s debut album firmly establishes them as a superb group in their own right and confirms that the groundswell of hype that's been building in Glasgow over the past year has justification.

This is rock n roll with a swagger but not a sneer. Full of confidence yet not arrogance, with enough sarcasm to suggest a raised eyebrow, a deft word able to deflate any self importance. While there's a clear trail of influences pulsing through every cornerstone of this record there's also a freshness and vitality about it. Most important of all, it's damn good fun. So there's the opening whammy of sublime power pop with 'You Made Me Like It' and recent single 'See You At The Lights', with funky guitar, bouncing bass and melodies to kill for present in both songs. Then there's the Rolling Stones staggering down the street downing booze romp of 'Cult Status', a big thick, dirty riff being powered out while McKeown sarcastically mocks various scenesters. It's a blazing start to the album, a trio of tunes that are simply infectious and set out what is to follow: A bit of glam stomp, some pop hooks and several slices of droll lyricism.

McKeown's voice has a ragged enthusiasm to it, suggesting he's nearly out of breath or, more likely, he's just recovered from the previous night. Make no doubt about it, this album is about having a good time, with tales of parties, girls and drugs providing most of the lyrical fodder. The party spirit nearly consumes the record entirely but just when you think things are getting a bit too straightforward and heading towards the dull, boring glam territory occupied by the likes of the Fratellis there's something to change it around. Something that switches direction a tad and keeps the songs from being too similar. The McGaughrin voiced 'Arcade Precinct' is out and out summer pop, even if its lyrics about lusting after schoolgirls seem a tad morally dubious when coming from a 30something. Still, the tune is so irresistible you'll forgive that.

It's when the band really experiment that the album shifts to a higher gear. 'You're Supposed To Be My Friend' is another glam number but on steroids, thumping by at a ridiculous pace and featuring an absurdly good guitar solo halfway through. It simply barrels along and anyone listening will simply be flattened by it. Then there's the hazy, paranoid 'Weed', a slower paced track that grinds away, and feels like it would nestle nicely on a road movie soundtrack. 'Thinking of Not Going' explodes with shoegazer style distortion and feedback, a moment that submerges the band's poppier instincts and produces a track that's like a more cheerful Jesus And Mary Chain. Finally, album closer 'Situation' starts with some rumbling bass and a nervy, twitchy riff before suddenly taking a sharp turn and veering into a more Eastern sound, more and more layers being added on. It's a terrific, odd climax to the album.

There's a couple of missteps, 'Switch' is more suitable as a Franz Ferdinand b-side than here, simply nondescript indie, while 'Enjoying Myself' never settles on a direction and ends up going nowhere. However, they're over quick enough for it not to be a major issue. McKeown's yelp may annoy some, though it suits the music well and there's maybe a slight over reliance on some Kaiser Chiefs esque lyrics of "Oh Oh" and "Ba Da Ba Da". Yet the overall package is so charming, witty and fun that you'll forgive them that. 'Cookies' is like a great party but with none of the next day downsides or any sort of messy aftermath to contend with. Their name may inspire retro thoughts about one decade in time but this is music fit to be considered among the best of any generation.