Dentures Out

Twelve records into a multi-decade career, the Proclaimers still have plenty to say. While the Scottish duos signature amalgam of rock, folk, soul, and country remains relatively unchanged, their reflections of contemporary life in the U.K. -- politically, socially, and personally -- are as fiery as ever. On their previous outing, 2018s Angry Cyclist, identical twin brothers Craig and Charlie Reid mixed in a handful of topically themed cuts, most notably railing against Brexit and Donald Trump. 2022s Dentures Out is a different beast altogether, and one with an overtly progressive agenda. Sung with gusto in the Reids trademark harmonies, songs like "The World That Was" and the title track deride a backward-looking society clinging to old world nostalgia. Set against a deceptively sunny melody, "News to Nietzsche" charts a path to the worlds end while the sweeping "Things as They Are" offers a cleverly scathing condemnation against vanity and power. Dentures Out may have an agenda, but that doesnt mean its not an enjoyable romp with plenty of heart. If anything, the shoddy state of the world serves as an adrenaline boost to a band who hardly needed it. The Proclaimers have been making throaty, passionate records since the late 80s and they lean into this one with as much zeal as ever. ~ Timothy Monger