James Arden checks out the garage rockers latest album.
The Christian rock band from Brighton bring religion to the masses.
Recipe for modern R'n'B album: liberal helpings of guest rappers and an overdose of sexual euphemisms.
This said, I was surprisingly enlightened. Complete with cider-black in hand and a bunch of Geordie lads showing me how one behaves at an alternative venue, we stuck ourselves slap-bang at the front of the stage and waited with bated breath for the four men to grace us with their presence. Outwards rang loud and clear, with a driving base that reverberated from head to toe and despite their movements resembling granddads on LSD, they were showmen down to a tee. All the songs were taken from their debut album 'Not Enough Night', and were blurted out with brute force, and diction that was rather admirable whilst synchronising with the resounding twangs of the guitars. They commanded the stage, with solemn faces and were a spectacle. Their set lasted an hour and fifteen minutes, with one song after another being received by grateful, moshing (and somewhat drunken) students.
it's the variety of venues that we love playing at, we're intrigued to know how the music'll sound
On to the interview and the lead singer Al, Frog (bass/vocals) and Nelson (guitar/vocals), all oozed a ridiculous amount of charm. Having been together for three years, with Frog and Nelson having been friends whilst living on the same street since they were four years old, they were eager to impart their love of music. They tell me that they write all songs together with some taking an afternoon and others taking three years to complete. Their next gig was the following day, at the Birmingham Academy (seating 2000), and supporting The Holloways. They seemed blasé about the whole experience; 'it's the variety of venues that we love playing at, we're intrigued to know how the music'll sound!' Nelson was quick to pick up on this, 'If you want bands to come to the city, then do it yourself.' This is very true.
In conclusion, I would say that yes, these guys are compared to The Futureheads and the lesser known Maximo Park and yes, I can see why their epic sets of drumming and strumming are so appealing. However, I am still dubious as to whether I could hack listening to them on an iPOD. After all, wasn't it the showmanship that I enjoyed more than the tunes?
