The driving force of At The Spine (ATS) is Seattle born Mike Toschi. Toschi left the States in 2006 feeling disenchanted with the poltical conservatism and corruption in his homeland. This album was mainly written in Europe with three travelogue entries from Italy, two from France, four from London and one apiece from Berlin and Barcelonia.
London is where he worked as a supply teacher although the experience there was also less than wholly positive as he didn't escape the violence and social disparity.
The London experience accounts for the British quality which dominates the sound on this album. Toschi's nasal vocals and diary like observations of people and places echoes the socio-documentary songs of Ray Davies. This is particularly obvious on the outsider reflections on 'Primrose Hill' : "There are hundreds all around/And ther's millions in this town/But I only know a few/So I sing the primrose blues".
The songs mostly have driving electric guitar rhythms but are rooted in the literate folk tradition. Toschi is interested more in capturing the spirit and mood of places in words rather than on composing catchy hooks.
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The lyrics read like diary entries or noted fragments of overheard conversations, often with an overtly socially committed political slant. In the song written in Barcelona, for example, he dreams of Spanish anarchy and in 'Crumble' he specifically targets Geffen record company for the way they "commoditise music for personal gain". The latter made me think of The Clash's "turning rebellion into money" line from 'White Man At Hamersmith Palais'.
Two songs that stand apart are a tongue in cheek vampire song (Transyvania) and a cover of Leon Rosselson's plea for social equality 'The World Turned Upside Down' which Billy Bragg recorded during the miners strike of 1974.
Vita, is the Latin, and Italian, word for 'life' and though rooted in some harsh truths there's a defiant sense of optimism running throughout the album. It is an intelliegent pop record that repays repeated listens and is well worth seeking out.
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