Leeds Finest Fine Things
This talented foursome are my prediction for big things to come...
588
|
Click on the symbol for "The People" from "The People EP" and prediction for the song of 2002. No downloading needed as it's windwos media player.
|
Oh my gaawwwd, they've only gone and bettered themselves! Maturing fast into a psychedelic rock crossover act with huge prospects for the future, Leeds four-piece The Music have released an extremely impressive follow up to last year's debut single. By now I'm sure everyone will have heard title track "The People" - it was play-listed at Radio One very early on and the video (filmed in the arches under the station in Leeds) features on MTV2 most evenings - it's possibly the sing along anthem for 2002, a foot-stomping head-nodding Led Zeppelin-influenced mix of effect-laded guitar riffs, some incredible vocals and an insight into the future possibilities. There's also an introduction of that late-night dance festival sound (remember the Josh Wink tune of the late nineties?) around four minutes in, indicating a possible move towards the creation of more of the club vibe that has merely been threatened to date. Saying that, fans will argue to the contrary as for 10 seconds of track two, "Let Love Be The Healer", we're treated to what is possibly a wandering towards 70's punk darlings The Damned - before The Music remember they have an identity of their own and immediately relax back into another great tune. The different styles work in the band's favour, especially as appealing to a wider audience base is almost certainly a healthy position to be in at this early stage in their career. If they keep getting better there won't be enough numbers left to award - 9/10.
|
|
You Might As Well Try To Fuck Me EP
"You Might As Well Try To Fuck Me" is the debut release from Leeds' The Music on the Hut label, and, put bluntly, is a blinding tune. Centred around continuous waves of an indie-dance guitar base, overlaid with a further staunch guitar riff, the track also highlights the unique vocal delivery of Robert Harvey who sweeps the song along the main lyric. Not since Super Furry Animal's "The Man Don't Give A Fuck" have I ever felt so enamoured with such a guitar-band-doing-a-dance-song vibe; the comparison with SFA is not in the sound, more in the fact it makes me want to get up and dance whilst singing along to their common use of one main lyric.
Whereas the title track is formed around the guitars, a major focal point in their style, the next two tracks - "Karma" and "Treat Me Right On" - build upon a vocal-based emotion along with simple, but effective, drum beats. The guitar and bass still play a signicant, yet more background role, and the overall feeling is less intimidating and more relaxing. A distinct variance from the previous norm, I'm not sure whether either track does it for me. The jury is still out - it may take a few more listens yet.
Adam Nutter makes an effort to bring his guitar to the forefront again mid-way through the final track, "Too High" and features once more in a blazing outro. An impressive tune, complete mix of feelings and attitudes, some great effects and a furthering of the Harvey school of vocals, this track leaves the listener with a consenting feeling. A great end to a startlingly adept debut single from the Leeds four-piece. 8/10
Take The Long Road And Walk It EP
Avid followers of The Music will be more than a little familiar with the latest offering from Leeds' biggest buzz band of the moment. Take The Long Road and Walk It is a re-recording of their debut single, which was originally released on Fierce Panda back in May 2001. This revamped version is intended to serve as a taster for The Music's long-awaited debut album, which is set for release on September 2, and its Led Zeppelin-inspired wall of guitar riffs promises much excitement ahead. Slower-paced B-side Alone sees The Music in more contemplative mood, but with no lessening in the dramatic impact as Robert Harvey makes the most of the opportunity to show off his impressive vocal range. The brooding atmospherics of third track Raindance, meanwhile, combine well with Harvey's impassioned pleading and demonstrate the input of producer Jim Abbiss, who has previously worked with the likes of Bjork and DJ Shadow. There's little doubt that The Music have set off at a blistering pace as they journey down the long road to commercial success, and this release could well see them propelled ever more quickly onward.
9/10
|
|
