SPEYSIDE - SOMEWHERE ELSE E.P.

A group that I only encountered for the first time a few months ago, thanks to a support slot at a Rising Signs gig, but, not only am I glad I did, but this CD is evidence that they're maturing as a band at an alarming rate - and they were good to start with! This is a five song, 25 minute CD of which the quality of writing, playing, singing, arranging, production (another Stuart Firm production - the Self Made Man EP's were his, too - that guy's good!) and - heck - just about everything is nothing short of stunning. The opening and title track starts with a fuzzed guitar riff before the drums crash in then this blaze of guitar riffing fires up as it then reverts back to the intro as the vocals come in, the sort of emotive, strong and cruising vocals as evidenced of a band such as the Goo Goo Dolls, and sounding just superb in the context of this driving song. Then, all of a sudden it goes from verse into chorus as the track positively shines and the guitars rise to the occasion. The whole song becomes ever more intense as the sheer passion and heat of delivery becomes ever brighter and you're just inspired and jaw-dropped by the whole thing as it then drops down to a softer section of vocals, bass and drums before erupting once more into that huge chorus and a blazing ending.
"Block Your Feet' starts with chiming guitars and strong, stomping rhythm from bass and drums before a solid lurching guitar and kick drum riff enters and then - blat!! - the guitars go supernova as this awesome slice of indie guitar soars to the skies and the song portion begins, again the vocals sounding so heartfelt and just superb. Once more it veers between the more ringing vocal verse passages and the high-flying choruses but al the time the effect is absolutely addictive as those guitars blaze a trail that you are irresistibly drawn to follow, while the bass and drums, perfectly produced, keep it all on the right path and drive things forward. A veritable anthem of a track, this is one you'll be playing long, loud and often for ages to come - a storming number, for sure.
"Last Line Of Defence" follows a similar pattern to the previous track and is every bit as addictive, this time with a more flowing arrangement but still with plenty of ringing, chiming guitars, emotive vocals, meaningful lyrics and a band performance that has enough energy to light up Dundee city centre - this is strong and strident stuff, the sort of thing of which great songs and bands are made. Like all the rest, it's got that "Americana" feel to it but with way more strength and a positive army of guitars, but the dynamics of the song are in a league of their own as the tracks go from sensitive and strong to loud and emotive with ease and feeling.
"Pointless Machines' decides not to erupt, instead following a much more heartfelt path with the chiming guitars ringing out like church bells as this heady slowly driving sea of bass and drums are the foundations on which the immaculate and so emotive vocals simply soar into your heart and you're there - feeling every part of the singer's feelings - drawn inexorably into the absolute magic that is this song - it's so emotional, it'll have your heart racing or skipping a beat - possibly both - leaving you almost breathless and in awe of its majesty by the end - a song that any indie band in this musical arena would kill to have as theirs and just stunning.
Finally, there's "Stations Creation" a track that starts sedately enough with strong rhythms and vocals, ringing guitar and then just takes off to the skies on a guitars-fuelled journey to the stars, as the music rises and falls, the vocals cut through exquisitely and the song becomes stronger and ever more intense as it goes, yet another emotive anthem that takes you over completely and captures you in its spell - the whole huge-sounding performance nothing short of incredible.
I've told you for ages that the quality of bands on the Dundee Scene right now is THE best in the UK - and that's truer than ever - but this lot could take over the world on the evidence of this CD!!

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