Adam Cresswell first came to the attention of alternative music fans as a member of Saloon. Between the late 90s and mid 00’s, the British band carved out a musical niche mixing elements of post punk, hard edged indie and Krautrock. Their use of angular riffs and vintage synths created something abrasive but distinctive, and the best moments on their 2003 release ‘If We Meet In The Future’ made it very easy to understand why Saloon’s blend of Neu!, Stereolab and Cinerama made them a John Peel favourite.
Following Saloon’s demise, Cresswell began performing as a solo artist under the name Rodney Cromwell. With a semi-prolific output, Cromwell has caught the attention of many lovers of retro sounds with releases that mix analogue synth sounds and mechanical electro pop, and even tease with bits of shoegaze for good measure. His 80s heart beats with a cold yet passionate flair, and his records always have something of great retro interest.
2024’s ‘Exercise Class’ EP finds Cromwell diving deeply into a world of synth based greatness once more. The brilliant title cut serves up a very retro sounding slice of indie based synth-pop where the spoken vocal calls back to a couple of Blur tracks, occasional guitar-oriented sounds tap into the “olden days” of C-86 bands, and a hefty dose of electronica opts for something even older. At the outset, the keyboard riffs hint at a love for Visage and even occasional fare from The Human League, but as the number progresses, its layered arrangement takes on far more of its own identity. By the time it closes with a broad melody and rousing guitar solo, Cromwell’s crossover sound feels bigger than ever. Moving on from there, the rest of the EP promises just as much entertainment.
Cromwell’s second new piece here, ‘Madeline Trip’ isn’t much more than an electro interlude, but its fifty four second loop offers another classic sounding piece of electronica. The sound of clanking bottles is used effectively as an intro, and from there, Cromwell weaves a deep synth drone capturing a perfect cold wave sound. The synths are pure 80s fare, and the brief track’s repetitive melody is simple, yet at the same time strong enough to capture the listener’s attention as if they’ve been thrown back into a world where they’re hearing something experimental from the early Human League or something darker from the Ultravox ‘Vienna’ sessions for the first time. There’s something here that could easily be expanded upon, and probably should have been, but as it stands, it’s still a fun teaser from Cromwell’s obviously retro world.
A reworking of ‘Exercise Class’ dubbed the ‘Ant People Remix’ isn’t always as 80s as you’d expect. The opening pulse beats have a hint of New Order, but the accompanying synths have a much fatter sound. A world of handclaps immediately calls back to the ‘Introspective’ album version of Pet Shop Boys’ ‘Domino Dancing’, but beyond that, the mood feels a little more like something from the late 90s played with a knowing wink to the 80s. The heavily treated vocals that appear between the verses are of the purest Daft Punk vintage, and as with the original cut, Cromwell’s light vocals sound more like they’re inspired by Damon Albarn adding his influence to an 80s synth pop track. Everything here is good, but by removing some of the deeper tones from the original version and replacing them with sharper synths, the number actually feels more accessible. The instrumental break is especially good, since it lends the extended arrangement more of a PSB ‘Clothes Show’ vibe, and as the pulse beats pull everything to a close somewhere around the five minute mark, it becomes clear that this is a remix that not only works but improves the original track.
Approximately ten years into his solo ventures, Adam Cresswell is hardly what you’d call a household name, but his retro sounds have often struck a chord with those who’ve been paying close attention. With its broad melodic strokes and very nostalgic qualities, the ‘Exercise Class’ EP is one of the finest things to be released under the Rodney Cromwell banner. Whether you’re already a fan, or approaching Cromwell for the first time here, this rather short release should offer plenty of enjoyment. …And if this happens to be your first exposure to this synth pop cult hero, then backtracking for a listen to his other work – particularly 2018’s ‘Rodney’s English Disco’ – is certainly recommended.
[A clean radio edit of ‘Exercise Class’ is also included as part of the digital download.]
July 2024