Standard Fare - The Noyelle Beat

The Noyelle Beat forms the debut album from Sheffield-based indie rockers Standard Fare. Comprising some pumping indie tunes and full of youthful energy, this album (hopefully) marks the start of a successful career for what is definitely an up-and-coming new band.

The songs have an unpolished finish (unsurprising as it was recorded in the space of 6 days) - the vocals and guitar sometimes wander off key – but far from being a drawback this simply adds to the charming quality of an album bursting with innocent playful vitality. Echoes of a Belle and Sebastian influence are evident in the guitar and vocals, the lyrics telling stories of the band member’s relationships and troubled love lives. ‘Fifteen’ relates the tale of an attraction to a 15-year-old boy, begging the question, ‘You’re only fifteen, what was I thinking?’, whilst ‘Let’s Get Back Together’, is about, er... getting back together. But far from being mournful ballads of loves lost or the soppy serenades of those in love, these are up-beat songs which you will find it difficult not to start singing along to.

By far my favourite track on the album is ‘Philadelphia’, an instantly likeable song describing the difficulties of a long-distance relationship in a relentlessly lively fashion. The painfully believable lyrics are typical of Standard Fare’s down to earth tone – they depict real situations based on real experiences: ‘Now I could catch a plane, but I’m pretty broke, and I don’t want to make things worse than they already are’ sounds all too familiar. However, here it’s dealt with a refreshingly up-beat attitude, with a chorus of pumping guitars and drums.

All in all, a feisty first effort from Standard Fare. The Noyelle Beat is a well balanced, charming, lively album with a grounded tone and superb lyrics. Expect to hear more of these in future.

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