Out of the ashes of their previous Dundee disguise, comes a new band and when I saw them do their debut gig, I didn't quite know how I felt. But now I've heard this debut CD, I know exactly how I feel – elated!!
When you consider the beautiful restraint of the title track standing alongside the controlled power of “Almost There”, allied to the sheer quality of the rest of the EP, and it comes as no surprise as to why this a something to treasure.
“Light In The Sky” starts with an incoming sea of ringing guitars as the mid-high register vocal is heard with a mix of pleading passion and soaring yearning as the band come in almost unnoticeably and a rush of harmonies takes the track off before dropping back to the verse once more, only this time with added harmony vocals, as the singer takes us effortlessly into another sublime chorus, still with utmost feeling as the guitars ring out and riff with restraint, the rhythm section driving it all forward with force as the track rolls along. The dynamics of the arrangement are a thing of great pleasure as the song, sensibly, fails to erupt, but is strong by virtue of its restraint, the cohesion of the piece incredibly tight while the song itself is performed with fluidity to perfection. “Live Love Burn Die” allows the band to burst more into life as another song is still possessing the highly emotive charge from the lead vocalist while the guitars ring and roar as the rhythm section fires forward, the song itself and even, at times, the vocals, sounding like something The Trade would produce, only with more restraint. As the guitars fly and the added harmony vocals provide extra depth, the song takes off and really delivers as fine a slice of quality indie writing as you'd want. “Almost There” begins with staccato rhythms as the drums and bass head onwards with chiming, riffing guitar bursts adding to the tension, before the soaring range of the lead vocalist delivers a song from the heart once again, this time showcasing the emotive power of his vocal as the song climbs higher then drops down for the guitar to shine as the rhythm section fires up and it all rolls on, the hushed accented vocals sounding sinister in the mid-section stutter, as the guitars ring out before the whole band takes off on the chorus that's both uplifting and shines like a star in the heavens, on what's a truly great track. Finally, “Sleeping On It” starts with strummed guitars, tinkling percussion and drum machine as the high-pirtched lead vocal and suitably quality harmonies makes you think of “Rumours”-era Fleetwood Mac,, before a sudden burst of guitar over what sounds like string synth, then sees the song into a new direction as the vocals become more impassioned, the band fires up and then they suddenly explode into this glorious chorus that mixes Scottish contemporary indie with classic Fleetwood Mac in a way you'd have never have thought would work in a zillion years, but it does and that's the joy!! The song drops back to a more sedate section of three -part harmonies over gentle guitars and drum machine before just suddenly ending – and that's it – gone!!
After four tracks of pure quality and enjoyment, it leaves you with the uncontrollable desire to start all over again and experience the riches that this band have to offer, once more. Songs like this will never date – it really is THAT good. Can't wait to see them in concert, now, as I think that hearing this first will definitely enhance the live enjoyment – I'll let you know......