Silver Platters Album Review

Hugely popular in its native U.K. by the time of this debut's early 2007 release, the View (not to be confused with the U.S. talk show) lived up to the hype by presenting an impressive set of edgy yet pop-savvy rock. Like a less-cheeky version of the Arctic Monkeys, the youthful Scottish group tempers its proudly unpolished approach with sharp melodic hooks, as best revealed on the surging "Superstar Tradesman" and the winsome "Same Jeans." Adding extra punch to the proceedings is revered producer Owen Morris, who worked with the Verve and Oasis and gives HATS OFF TO THE BUSKERS a full, unifying sound that easily marks it as one of the most noteworthy Britpop offerings of the year.

Rolling Stone (p.70) - "HATS OFF TO THE BUSKERS proves the View can play; the sound is more flying-V than raining shrapnel."

Spin (p.99) - 3.5 stars out of 5 -- "These young Scotsmen have grime to spare, along with a belief in rock's power to rescue them..."

Q (p.105) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "'Wasted Little DJs', 'Skag Trendy' and 'Superstar Tradesman' suggest there's a reckless, restless something about The View."

Mojo (p.105) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "Packed with knock-kneed riffs, scowling us-against-the-world menace and radio-friendly rock hooks, HATS OFF TO THE BUSKERS burns with pop ambition."

Uncut (p.81) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "'Coming Down' rips from the speakers, while 'Wasted Little DJs' exhibits shades of Teenage Fanclub."

silverplatters.com March 2007