Liam Gallagher and John Squire have a history that dates back to 1988, when a 16-year-old Gallagher saw the Stone Roses play Manchester’s International 2 Club in the company of his older brother Noel, an experience the former described as “life-changing”, and ultimately inspired him to join a local band, the Rain, who ultimately became Oasis. Six years later, the members of the Stone Roses broke off from the troubled recording sessions for their second album to gather around the studio’s TV and watch Oasis’s debut appearance on Top of the Pops: a music fan of a certain bent, given to romanticising, might view that as a symbolic moment, a passing of the gobby Mancunian alt-rock baton, although Squire apparently “didn’t think the tune” – Shakermaker – “was that great”. Two years later, Squire appeared onstage with Oasis at Knebworth: the latter were now the biggest band in Britain – 2.6m people applied for tickets – but, given the extent of the Stone Roses’ influence on them, Squire’s guest slot still carried a hint of benediction.
If you see Liam Gallagher’s recent solo career as a way to taunt his estranged older brother, then Squire’s return to his guest appearance at Gallagher’s upcoming 2022 Knebworth show can be seen as a strong move – proving that he embodies the spirit of Oasis. The announcement of their joint album is even more impactful. However, when listening to their first collaboration, “Just Another Rainbow”, it’s easy to say that the song is more of a triumphant jab at Noel rather than a standalone track. It sounds exactly as one would expect from a collaboration between the two musicians. Squire’s skilled and fluid guitar playing is reminiscent of the Stone Roses’ debut album, with its chiming riff, but also has elements of their heavier and more expansive second album, “Second Coming” (particularly in the extended solo that lasts over five minutes). Gallagher’s vocals carry a hint of Lennon’s signature style as he sings “no pot of gold waiting here for me”. The rhythm has hints of The Beatles’ “Tomorrow Never Knows” mixed with the Stone Roses’ baggy shuffle. And that’s pretty much it.
A combination of genes from Oasis and the Stone Roses, it lacks the powerful chorus that both bands were once known for – such as in the songs Slide Away and Made of Stone. The lyrics, written by Squire, feel like temporary fillers: at one point, Gallagher resorts to listing the colors of the rainbow in ROYGBIV order. However, it’s been a while since anyone looked to Liam Gallagher or Oasis for profound lyrical depth, and it’s definitely better than the two disappointing singles released by the reformed Stone Roses in 2016 before wisely ending their reunion to prevent further harm to their reputation.
The music enthusiast described above, with a particular style including Weller-like hair, a parka, and Wallabee shoes, will likely praise it as a stroke of brilliance based on the names listed on the cover. Others may criticize it as being predictable, but that may have been the intention. Liam Gallagher has been adamant about sticking to his musical style. In a 2018 interview with the Guardian, he stated, “I’m here to give people what they want and if that’s boring, then so be it.” He added, “I think it’s nice to know you can count on me. I like certain things to remain consistent.” This approach could be seen as lacking ambition or being limited, but others may view it as clever, with Gallagher understanding his audience and reaping commercial success – his upcoming tour, where he will perform Definitely Maybe in its entirety, has already sold out four consecutive nights at the O2. Either way, it is clearly the guiding principle behind Just Another Rainbow – no surprises, whether good or bad.
Source: theguardian.com
