The Scruffs return in 2010!! Leader Stephen Burns is not only a veteran in the power pop genre, he is principally responsible for one of the genre`s finest DIY, self-released moments ever with the true, massive classic "Wanna Meet The Scruffs" from 1977. Here in 2010, the band has pulled off the delicate balancing act of blending what made the band so vital and special to pop geeks back in `77 with healthy drive to expand into new horizons and experiment with sounds and equipment of today. "8 out of 10.
Burns has also expanded his instrumental palette since the days of Wanna Meet". On Conquest, the basic two-guitars-bass-drums foundation is handily supplemented by horns, strings, and synths. A song like "One More You" benefits from the shadings of a string section that wouldn`t disgrace a Southern cotillion. Similarly, the almost Tom Scott-ish tenor sax winding through "Savage Teen" is appropriate for its comically schizoid arrangement, equal bits Jeff Lynne and Venus And Mars-era McCartney.
Not everything on Conquest hits the mark--its bookend tracks are, respectively, undistinguished FM pop and a ponderous prog-rock beastie that`s too much a reminder of all that one wants to forget about 70s rock.
Even so, in its best moments, hearing the Scruffs` Conquest is like getting a postcard from a long lost compadre. Thankfully it`s not a postcard from the edge, but certainly one far edgier in its exuberance than the merchants of emo-glum and vacant vessels of glam currently fobbed off as 21st Century pop. Get with it; get conquered. " - Pop Matters. "Conquest, does have their signature English pop style and appealing vocal harmonies that the Scruffs are known for, but there are a number of songs that stray away from power pop and sound more like Pink Floyd like on the song "Land Of Trance." There are really nice string arrangements on the song "Bad Memories," but the song is way too long and ends up being corny. "Ipod Girl" is the catchiest song on the album due to the jingly guitar riffs and lead singer Stephen Burns` echoed vocals...The Scruffs still have that Raspberries-meets-Big Star sound, but it`s nice to see them they`re trying something new on this album." - The Aquarian. "As Memphians obsessed with anglophile pop, they were Big Star`s heirs. Alex Chilton`s comrades, and recorded at Ardent Studios. On Conquest, the band`s new album, head Scruff Stephen Burns still brings the hooks, only filtered through a cavernous, textured sound awash in strings, horns, steel guitars, and keyboards. From the rolling anthemry of the gleaming "Treasure Girls" to "Demon Mine" -- shades of Nikki Sudden Conquest is modern pop with depth and heart." Luke Torn, Uncut. Long, Long May He Write!!
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