MASON - Somewhere In Between CD-EP
Dundee band who've got the spirit, and to a degree, the sound, of bands in their infancy such as Catherine Wheel, REM and Pere Ubu, to name but a few. But the opener and title track is a surging, heady, indie delight of a song which really takes hold and demands that you play it over and over. Starting with chiming guitar, jagged bass and driving drums, it dies to a lone guitar riff, before decelerating to usher in this fantastic languid Americana drone of a vocal as the verse flows into the chorus, as the band suddenly erupt and the whole song takes off in awesome fashion, still somehow relaxed and powerful at the same time. It then drops back to earth for the next verse as the guitars continue to ring and the rhythm section waits for the next cue to roar in and take the chorus to its heights as the guitars gather strength and, at the end of the chorus, ring out over the throb of the bass and the crunch of the drums, before a lead guitar break soars from the skies in a brief flare before the chorus once again takes centre stage and this absolute gem of a song drives towards a glorious finale. “Empire” is up next, beginning with lightly strummed electric guitar, textural melodic harmonica and deep bass as the drums gently roll in and the guitars flow. This time the vocal is more upfront and impassioned, full of emotion on what is so far a strong indie ballad with a highly emotive sound, as the sinewy guitar lines wrap themselves around your heart. Gradually the band and the song gather strength as the guitars move upfront, the rhythm section intensifies and a soaring guitar break takes the lead, over strong mid-paced rhythm work. Then it's back to the song where, despite the lack of a chorus, it proves to be highly engaging throughout.
“Just Friends” starts altogether faster with driving drumming, wild bass rivers and dense depths of guitars, riffing to the skies, as the vocals have a sense of urgency to them, the cyclical lead guitar riff, really taking hold. The fast-paced song is propelled by some superb drumming as the band motor ahead and the combination of the guitar hook, the powerful delivery and the surge of the guitars, provides a fantastic slice of tungsten strength, short, sharp and hitting the spot, indie heaven. Finally, “Crabby Hogan” is a tale-telling lyrical story of dubious proportions that's totally got it right, the mix of sleazy subject and that immaculate drone of a vocal, conveying the song to perfection, as the band tumble along behind then power up and rise to the occasion, the surging guitar undercurrents and ringing leads a perfect match for the lurching, powerful drumming and the deep river of bass that all serve to propel the song. Another stinging guitar break towards the end livens up the song superbly as the whole thing drives along with emotion and strength. Overall, it's great – just a hint of what's to come, I hope!
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