The only spook floating through this Edinburgh quartet's debut album is the Ghost of Christmas Festive 50s Past. The guitar jangle, tambourine splash on the drum beat and twee-style female backing harmonies would have guaranteed The Spook School a place in John Peel's heart. Those of a certain age will think back to the glory days of The Shop Assistants, while others with more specific memories might hear something of Jesse Garon And The Desperados in the flat male/sweet female voice alteration of That's When I Ran Away.
But there is much more to this group than simply a C86 tribute band. The Cameraman sets up a nine-note guitar hook that is pure Buzzcocks before hitting a verse/chorus that is like a rougher-edged Motorcycle Boy; then Devil Of Mine quietens things down before a pitter-pat crescendo that is not far away from the Amy Macdonald songbook.
Two things in particular toughen up The Spook School's songs: the menacing edge of the second guitar which lurks, rather more grunge than fuzzbox, in the background; and lyrics that take a less-than-traditional look at sexuality and romantic entanglements.
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