Having bought this album on the basis of 2 singles, and knowing very little about the band I was pleased to find a very balnced and well written album. They are a young band that seem to have a talent not only for writing great jumpy riffs that get you wanting to bob along, but also an ability to write the slower more reflective pieces that posess a very mature feel and get the theme across without being too self indulgent.
1. Seaside
A slow acoustic introduction to the album, the vocals posses a certain appeal due to the accent they are sung in. Very simple song pattern and not a complex piece but very well put together. Some nice little snippets in amongst the lyrics make this a nice track to open with. A bit short but you feel that its long enough. 3.5/5
2. See the world
By complete contrast this song begins with a fantastic jumpy riff and a cool drum fill. Very simple lyrics lead into a slow breakdown which builds into a variation on the opening riff. A nice lead guitar peice shows musical competence. The pattern of the song makes it a very catchy tune that leaves you tapping your feet. A second breakdown shows the bass guitar well before exploding again. A short stomper but a great example of a rock song yu can really dance to. 4/5
3. Sofa Song
A faster acoustic intro and another drum fill leads to some subdued but fast lyrics that suddenly chnge into a more enthusiastic tone and lead to another little solo that fits nicely. Again a good use of pauses break the song in places and although the pattern repeats througout a nice little musical break followed by bass and vocals again build back into the main riff. A clever little song with two lead guitar parts. 4/5
4. Eddies gun
A thumping intro means you immediately listen to this track. The whole sound has instant appeal with a great bridge/chorus part. the lyrics don't try to sound clever but at the same time don't sound mindless. good use of the bass and little lead guitar pieces add a musical depth that stands out across the album.4/5
5. Ooh la
A great little acoustic intro and the first song where the bass sounds strong throughout. lyrically appealing with a nice vocal sound and a catchy chorus. Very distinctive guitar on the verse and a punchy bass the highlights. 3.5/5
6. You don't love me
A great single that starts straight into the verse with the band bouncing along. A very jumpy song with another thumping bass. A sing along verse with a couple of little breaks make it a great song that is instantly enjoyable. Another nice guitar solo. 4.5/5
7. She moves in her own way
A combination of acoustic and electric guitar works well. Some quaint little lyrical pieces. The chorus really makes this song, with a nice tempo. Leaves your feet tapping, perhaps goes on longer than needed at the end but a good song none the less, with a nice change in the middle as the vocals change accompanied by hand claps before a solo and a nice quet bridge. 4/5
8. Matchbox
A funky guitar line makes this song stand out from those before it. A clever bass line and well worked vocals. This song is not like others on the album and although not the strongest song it has a great feel, as the guitar returns to a more mainline rock line for the chorus. The second verse has a more ska feel in the strumming pattern and shows a good range of musical ability within the band. Yet another quiet breakdown, that obviously seems to work well for the band.4/5
9. Naive
A nicely written song, quite touching in places it works well conveying the message of the song without being too personal. A theme that many could relate to, and a theme that hints at the age of the band but without the immature aproach normally employed. 4.5/5
10. I want you
A wierd intro with drums and some odd noises leads to some slow and meloncholy lyrics. then leads straight into a angsty chorus that makes good use of the bass. The verse remains sober throughout. A great little indtrumental peiece displays a cool bass line and some very broken guitar work that fits well. An odd track but with some appeal 3.5/5
11. If only
Another clever intro sees the opening few beats stop to leave solo vocals before the rest of the band come back in with a lot of energy. The song has a great tempo that has you tapping your feet throughout. Any bassists should pay attention to this song as the bassist takes his chance to show off with some very nice little patterns. 4/5
12. Jackie Big tits
With the dumb title and the palm muted opening chords this song could belong to blink 182 or other similar bands. However the intro of an acosutic guitar (and some laughter) stops this thought. As seems usual, the band enter as one, with some nice lead guitar and dual vocals on the chorus this song has a slower feel but remains appealing. This is an example of how lead guitar just needs to be there to add depth, no need to be too clever. The lyrics are certainly more thoughtful than the titlle.A pleasent song. 3.5/5
13. Time awaits
A very nice acoustic intro has a country feel to it and the raw vocals make it sound very un-produced. It then explodes into a great down stroke guitar line and a clever bass echoed by the high hat tapping insessently. Another almost ska guitar line leads into a rocky dance chorus. An odd song that has a certain appeal. 3.5/5
14. Got no love
A slow and pounding drum is joined by slow bass and guitar and twin vocals. A reflective piece. the chorus builds in strenght but remains slow and retains the vocals working well together. A nice little lead guitar piece and a pleasent close to the album 3.5/5
highlights:
Seaside
Eddies gun
You don't love me
Naive
