The sleevenotes to Dawn Of The Replicants' new album include a quotation from Captain Beefheart plus a dedicated to John Ravenscroft (AKA John Peel). The spirit of both of these uncompromising figures is indicative to the entire career of Galashiels' finest. Their only problem has been being dropped from a major label but whilst the production budget has had to be reduced the songs have not suffered in lack of quality. That is until now, as 'Fangs' is a largely disappointing effort. Tellingly, the first single lifted from it is 'Oh, Bumble Bee'; a likeable slice of their maverick pop but after a few spins it appears to be nothing more than a novelty record. 'Fangs' itself is a tired bluesy mess. Redemption arrives via 'Fix The Air' (one of their most sublime, gentle offerings), a barber shop quartet on 'Night Flight And Devilry' and 'Pterodactyl'; one of the few songs here to strike the right balance between quirkiness and melody. 'Fangs' doesn't lack bite but it's their most tired and uninspired recording yet.