The first time I heard about The Good Ship they and Kira Puru were supporting an old favourite, Gay Paris at the Vanguard. Although they were not an obvious choice and considering my affinity for the beer bottle molesting antics of Gay Paris, these guys were the highlight of the evening, shitting all over the cookie monster from a great height. That was over a year ago, but finally we have a full-length release.

Now you may wonder how long a band dedicated to ocean and sailing themed songs will actually last. This question disheartened me until I thought about The Beards who have a far more pedestrian theme and have lasted for three (count ‘em, three) studio albums with interest waning only slightly. There’s a hell of a lot more to sing about in and on the sea than facial hair, so I think they’ll be fine. Besides, they don’t always sing about the ocean, but granted, they do most of the time.

“What I’m Trying to Say”, is the best example of the non-maritime diversions on this album, with a lyrical platter sure to appeal to the culturally savvy at the same time as making the prude extend a wavering arm toward his nappies. “If you were Azaria/ I’d be the Dingo/ If you were John, Paul and George/ I would be Ringo”, and “If you were K-Fed/ I would be Brittney/If you were Chris Brown you’d probably hit me” are the sedate, G rated examples when compared to the nastier ones that include a coat hanger and a foetus. So sentimental! Well at least the melody is. It’s a lovely piece of debauchery indeed.

O’ Exquisite Corpse is another album that demonstrates why opening tracks are opening tracks. Because they kick arse! “Ghost Ship”, is thus aptly placed being followed up by “Powder Monkey”, which I’m sure must have contended for the prestigious position. “Sin City Sweetheart” is sure to appeal to mature ladies with what sounds like, “You aging (ancient?) hag/ Give my heart back”, but I can’t be sure. It is one of my personal favourites at least. Later, “Glory”, picks up the pace and throws it back in the aggressor’s face with the lyric, “Now who’s fucking who?”

“Seven Seas” in seventh position looks to be the first single, currently accompanied by a video clip on Rage. But although it is a good, strong pop song, by no means is it the highlight. I thought the album was about to become a victim of either Scylla or Charybdis after track seven, but the resourceful “Somebody Took My Baby From Me” navigated the Strait of Messina and ensured that at least the captain would see Ithaca again. Long live the Thalassocracy.

Review Score: 8.8 out of 10