http://www.tyneside.com/clearcut/index.htm
Nufc.com Review of the album
“Geordie Gizza A Bit from Cradle to the Grave” by Clear Cut
While crowds flock to see international folk artists in the magnificent new Sage building on the banks of the Tyne, just down the river a rootsier sound is thriving – albeit on a smaller scale.
Welcome to the world of Clear Cut – a collective from Newcastle’s West End, following in a regional music tradition of setting snapshots of working class life to music.
Their first full-length release chronicles the life and times of “Geordie” and the relationships he has throughout his life, be they with parents, partners or pals.
In the course of the twelve tracks football, drinking, mischief and pigeons all get a mention against a backdrop of familiar local landmarks and events.
However, while the Hoppings or Balmbras may appear in the songs, the recurring theme is the destruction of what was once taken for granted – and the effect on those who remained to pick up the pieces.
There are no fake American accents here – the songs are written in Tyneside vernacular and delivered in an authentic Geordie brogue. Forget leather jackets, these songs come clad in donkey jackets.
“Geordie Gizza Bit….” is unashamedly sentimental in parts, but laced with the cynicism that comes from living with the consequences of political decisions made far away.
And while the acoustic playing is timeless, it’s no backward-looking Catherine Cookson-type snapshot of the region and its inhabitants.
But as well as documenting the bleakness and hardship of life in the area, there’s enough good cheer and bawdiness around to keep things from getting too depressing – this CD could easily be have been titled “don’t let them grind you down”….
Like the late Alan Hull, Clear Cut proudly wear their Tyneside credentials on their sleeves – as well as a bonny picture of the Tyne Bridges on the CD cover.
Homespun, authentic and ultimately uplifting – “Geordie Gizza Bit….” is for anyone who feels they’ve come home when they cross over one of the Tyne bridges.
Biffa NUFC.com