“Making Plans For Nigel” Single Review
Cover songs can be a challenge to pull off. Veer too close to the original and, while you may show a certain respect for the source, you risk rendering your own version somewhat redundant. Conversely, fly too far in the opposite direction, and you risk a drubbing from fans of the original. The key consideration, then, is to render the track in your own style, while staying true to the intent of the original.
Spleen, a young Italian band who recently signed to Contempo, have managed to get the balance just right. Recognising the driving pulse at the heart of the XTC original, they’ve filled out the sound with punk rock guitars, pushing the tempo without losing sight of the melody. At the same time, they clearly get the sarcasm that dripped from the original lyric, with the line “we only want to lend a helping hand” sounding as sinister as ever.
The result is a track that captures some of the brash spirit of the likes of A, early Feeder, and even the Wildhearts – a sound that seems to have been forgotten in the race to invest every recording with a host of extraneous digital noise – and it’s surprisingly addictive. If the rest of the album 9due to drop in early 2025) is of this quality, it should be one hell of a blast.
About Spleen
Spleen are a fierce and feisty Italian four-piece. Earlier this year they signed with renowned rock label Contempo Records and are now fully fired up and set to unleash a darkly charged collection of music and live dates – and maybe raise a little Hell whilst having a good time! On 28th November 2024, the band released “Making Plans For Nigel” from their upcoming, yet-to-be-titled debut album – set to land in early 2025.
Hailing from Florence, Italy, Spleen is the band you need on your rock radar. Originally formed in 2019 as “Big Breast On Fat Boys” by guitarist and vocalist Samuele Riccucci and drummer Matteo Innocenti, the duo began their journey into the rock scene with their debut live show in June 2022. Craving a richer sound, they welcomed guitarist Olmo Fantini in March 2023, debuting their new lineup in Florence.
The trio had one last explosive show under their original name at CSA Polveriera in December 2023 before embracing a new identity—Spleen. This name change marked their shift to darker, more refined yet fiercely aggressive sounds, reflecting their evolving musical vision.
Their raw talent didn’t go unnoticed. Contempo Records signed them to a worldwide exclusive deal, and in March 2024, bassist Alberto Sanna joined the band, making his debut at Caffè Letterario Le Murate. June 2024 saw the release of their debut single “Dystopic School,” launched at a live gig at the Red Garter Pub in Florence and an after-party at the Contempo store. Fresh out of high school, the band rocked the SRVLRK Festival and Ultravox in Florence at the end of July.
Now, firing on all cylinders, the band are gearing up to drop their new single, a cover of XTC’s iconic “Making Plans For Nigel” as the A Side and with “Reload” as the B side on November 28 2024.
The reason why the band chose “‘Nigel” as the A-Side is because it embodies a theme that everyone, including the anarchic free spirits that are Spleen, can personally relate to. Frontman Samuele says: “The idea behind the video is the same as the one behind the XTC song… trying to escape from the impositions that life puts in front of you.”
This release will be supported by a series of gigs, including a performance at the legendary Hope and Anchor in London – a venue that has launched music legends XTC, The Cure, Joy Division, The Pogues The Jam, Ramones, The Police, and many more besides…,
Spleen is set to conquer the rock scene with their electrifying performances and genre-defying sound. Don’t miss out on seeing them play live. Dates below….!
UPCOMING GIG DATES: (More London dates to be added)
November 23rd, 2024: Firenze – Red Garter – Making Plans For Nigel 7″ Release Party
November 30th, 2024: Livorno – The Cage – November 30th, 2024
December 6th, 2024: London, UK – Hope and Anchor (with Yur Mum and Quick Romance)
December 7th, 2024: London, UK – Soho Vampires (showcase)
January 5th, 2025: Milano – Headbangers Pub
April 18th, 2025: Firenze – Viper Rock Club (with LiVES + surprise guest)
