PHIL & THE TILES - "DOUBLE HAPPINESS" LP

LULUS: Phil & The Tiles are one of those groups we've seen emerge locally in the last half decade or so who have taken advantage of a rich history of punk tunes. Instead of picking a narrow lane and monkey-see-monkey-doing, they've absorbed the spillage of decades, wrung it out into a nicked pot glass and downed it. While there are gems and killer licks and leads scattered across the whole album, my personal highlight is "Ode To Phil" which might just be an all timer. It serves as a prime example of Phil & The Tiles' secret weapon; lethargy as a tool. They'll sucker you in, invite you back to their place for a beer then rinse you of all your cigarettes but it's cool; they're in the band and you like their songs. Double Happiness indeed. LEGLESS: Phil and the Tiles are a rarity, an organic and genuine reflection of their surroundings. A gang of reprobates. A collection of cynical trippers. Shitheads. They know how to get a room going on a Friday night. With a rotation of members and ethos over the last few years it seems Phil and the Tiles have landed on current lineup of Reef Williams, Vocals and poet to the masses, Matt Powell, Bass and vibe regulator, Andre Piciocchi, Drums and Italian, Charlotte Zarb, Keyboardist and sonic visionary, Hattie Gleeson, Vox/Guitarist, commander in charge and mystery man Reilly Gaynor on the Lead Guitar. With their new record 'Double Happiness' released with Legless early next year it seems things are really on the up for these fashionable young punks. Only one can imagine the true havoc this will wreak on the squares and blockheads of the world. For fans of the true shit, Germs, Sardine V, UV Race, Institute, Zounds, Crass and of course The Snakes. - Lewis Hodgson (Civic)