Comet Gain - Broken Record Prayers

Despite having released five albums and countless singles on influential labels such as Kill Rock Stars and Wiija, London’s Comet Gain has tended to remain relegated to ‘best-kept-secret’ status for those lucky enough to be in the know. That’s a shame because the group, centered around the amazingly talented David Feck (sometimes he also goes by David Christian) has put out a goldmine of amazing records, combining all of the best parts of mod, punk, lo-fi pop, and soul with lyrical themes that touch on everything from romantic heartbreak, to fallen film stars to international socialism and much more! While Broken Record Prayers is a collection of non-LP 45’s and odds and ends, including three Peel Session tracks, it flows like a perfect album. “Beautiful Despair” is a potent blast of punk energy reminiscent of Buzzcocks’ “Something’s Gone Wrong Again” – you can almost feel the tension pour out of your speakers. Nearly as lethal is a killer cover of Curtis Mayfield’s Seventies classic “Hard Times” and “Brothers Off The Block,” which appears to be a shout out to Black Panther era revolutionaries. On the more mellow side, “Books of California” has a touching nostalgic vibe, while “You Can Hide Your Love Forever” is an Anorak pop gem that would be perfect on a Sarah Records mix tape. For those who have never listened to Comet Gain, Broken Record Prayers is a perfect place to start. Before long you’ll want their whole back catalog.