Black Grape - Orange Head

Shaun Ryder is making up for lost time, it seems.

Following the a handful of shows in support of this album, Happy Mondays embark on a tour with Inspiral Carpets and Stereo MCs next spring, and he’s recently announced a lengthy jaunt round the country for Q&A shows. Who would have thought he would be the most hardworking of his generation?

For all his other projects however, there is a sense that – if the Mondays are his first love – Black Grape is his most musical wife.

The surprise success of debut album It’s Great When You’re Straight…Yeah! in 1995 was a real fillip. While there were many chefs in the Happy Mondays kitchen, Black Grape had only two (sorry Bez), his relationship with Paul Leveridge (Kermit) seemingly one of mutual appreciation. Loaded with street smarts and musical talent, the duo make a fearsome musical combination.

As they continue to be, nearly 30 years later. Orange Head (those fruit references just keep coming) is wonkishly and gloriously off-kilter, full of chilling energy and customary brio, but contemporary.

https://www.live4ever.uk.com/2023/11/review-black-grape-orange-head/