The Dowling Poole - Refuse (2022)

‘Refuse’, the new album from The Dowling Poole features all of the ‘digital only’ tracks the group occasionally released for short periods of time and are now collated on this physical release. Each track has been carefully remixed and remastered, with the inlay sleeve containing some half-remembered thoughts and recollections (from Willie Dowling) and some actual facts and concise recalls (from Jon Poole) included in the CD liner notes.

The joy of this collection is the musical ideas the band cover, be it a touch of prog with ELO harmonies on ‘White Light’, the barbed pop of ‘F**k You Goodbye’ or the choral & pomp rock parts on ‘Deep Breath’.

‘Miles Checks Out’ is a beautifully crafted song, from the vocals through to the music it really should have been a hit. Speaking of hits that never were, ‘Optimum Delirium’, has that dreamy appeal of XTC and in a just world would be all over the airwaves.

‘Bricks From The Wall’ goes down an avenue inhabited by Talking Heads and Sparks. Wonderfully bizarre, yet always listenable and keeping a strong grip on melody.

The good news for fellow fans of the Dowling Poole is that the songs they recorded between 2020 and 2022 will be featured on the band’s next planned physical release.

The Dowling Poole, meaningful, melodic and above all enjoyable pop infused music. If you have any music from the likes of ELO, Squeeze, 10CC or XTC in your collection you will seriously love these guys and their songs. The best band you’ve never heard awaits your listening pleasure… ****Review by Jason Ritchie