Edinburgh quartet who, on the evidence of this ten-tracker, really know how to write and play some really solid songs. They run a gamut of styles, paces and dynamics, the one thread through it all being a kind of purposeful consistency that leads you inexorably from one track to the next, wanting simply to hear what other ideas that they have in their weaponry.
The album opens with the mid-paced broodiness of “Do It Now” with a pleasing, yearning lead vocal, harmonised on the chorus, that flows effortlessly through a solid enough rhythm led by the drums as this ringing, searing guitar enters and almost as quickly disappears then reappears, etc – in between which the bass lopes along as the vocal croons the verses before rising up to a hook that really takes hold, as the song drops back to its serene verses to build it all up once more. The guitar work remains on the tasty side as that expansive chorus is now delivered with even more passion and to even greater effect. “Everything You Need” is more of a wistful number, beginning with lone, ringing electric guitar lead as the rhythm section enters in slow, deliberate fashion as the vocalist weaves a yearning spell through the verses that sound like they've got an indie rock peal of bells accompanying what unfolds with such grace and conviction. “Hold Me” is more of an anthem, filled with exquisite harmonies on a kind of quiet pace that gradually builds into this huge sounding sea of electric guitar and rhythm section intensity as the high-flying vocal delivers a sea of verses and the catchy hook via some solid wah wah guitar leads and mid-paced rhythm section work.
“Jacky Boy” begins with crisp acoustic guitar and high-register vocals as the tale is told and the band surge into this observational lyric on a wave of cyclical electric guitar work, rolling drumming, deep bass and the vocals that rollercoaster the scale to excellent effect, the whole thing keeping you hooked throughout. “Never Be” veritably bounces along with some spirited electric guitar work and solid rhythmic swing as the song is delivered perfectly by a vocalist whose lead vocal textures are as effective as his harmonies, the whole thing possessing this mix of strength and fragility at the same time on what is a gorgeous, yet uncommercial, song.
“Paying The Cost” is more of a strident indie-rock number with clipped riffs and rhythms over which the vocal cruises and drives with another expansive verse-as-hook approach that almost becomes a 12-bar stomp as the guitar work shines and the song becomes ever catchier, almost the perfect choice for a single. “Starting Again” is a gently flowing indie ballad that maintains its strength, while “Think About Yourself” is a song that starts slowly then builds, intensifies and drives into a world of deliberately impassioned mix of wistful, yearning, hopeful and sorrowful vocals which, allied to gently strummed acoustic guitar, soaring electric guitar and solid yet unobtrusive rhythm section, become this solid song that takes off slowly and surges into life with energy and cohesion. “To Move On” is yet another anthem of a piece, this time mid-paced and solid, the vocal delivered with full emotion as verses drift along on waves of slowly moving drum strength, deep bass and that wondrous textural mix of buzz-saw guitar riffing and quiet acoustic guitar work as the vocalist moves from wistful to deliberately heart-rending with ease and effortless excellence on what is a solid, tasty and absolutely hypnotic track. The album ends with “Your Double Life” as the band flare into life for a rousing two minute closer and the whole thing's gone.
It's a remarkable album in how much you enjoy it, how the band doesn't put a foot wrong, not a note wasted or out of place, and the sheer quality of singing, playing, writing and arranging that entices you in and keeps you hooked throughout, at no time feeling anything like a commercial album, yet having a similar sense of appeal in its sheer quality of composition and performance.