Album/EP Reviews

This is the part of the site were I review albums and eps - hopefully there'll be a nice mixture of breathrough local talent and established artists. Disagree with what I'm saying? Leave a comment, let me know man.

~ Taylor.

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EP Review

Pretty Cartels

Tales of the Working Class

For a band that have been together for little over a year, Pretty Cartels have certainly been busy. Constant gigging around Belfast’s musical hotspots was followed up by the release of their first single, “The Busker”, which has made big waves amongst the big-wigs of the local music scene, even being chosen as the official anthem for the “BackinBelfast” campaign (which also won the band substantial airplay in the process ~ and left Citybeat inundated with calls as to the identity of the mystery band behind the tune!). All that was left to cap off a fine start by any group’s standards, was the launch of their debut EP, “Tales of the Working Class”. It’s fair to say I was rather excited to finally hear it!

The EP opens cleverly, with white noise and brief flashes of sound before bursting into life with screaming electric guitars and a bluesy overtone. The bands complex vocal harmonies are evident from the outset, but it’s the solidarity of their rhythm section which is perhaps the most impressive. “She’s The One” kicks the record into life, but the energetic and upbeat solos from Neal Connor’s guitar wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for the watertight synergy between bass and drum, which gives the track it’s foot tapping charm. One can imagine that this would be an excellent live song.

“Diamonds and Rainbows” shows a more folksy side to the Cartels. A beautifully syncopated drum intro again highlights why Davy Braniff is held in such high regard, as a fast paced acoustic guitar drives the tune forward. The song carries an upbeat vibe, not a million miles away from American chart act The Lumineers, which captures the relentlessly positive attitude of the working class, living up to the EP’s title.

The Cartel’s then display their rockier edge with the beautiful “Holyman”. An atmospheric track, filled with rocky guitar riffs that somehow blend seamlessly with a stunningly subtle string section. This is a tune that would not have looked out of place on a Travis album, the guitar solo towards the end of the song a particular highlight, showing the bands diverse range of influences. A hidden gem.

This is followed by the song which has slowly grown to be considered their signature tune, the wonderfully acclaimed track of the “Backin Belfast” campaign, “The Busker”. A Noel Gallagher esc acoustic guitar intro paves the way for one of the most rhythmic and catchy songs your likely to hear this year. With radio friendly lyrics such as “just put a penny in his case, he’ll put a smile onto your face”, “The Busker” is a song for the family. Paying clever homage to The Beatles (“he’ll sing a song from Let It Be”) and making an obvious reference to Belfast, show that the Pretty Cartels have written what must surely be their biggest crowd pleaser.

The final track, “Light Shines Through”, is an emotional piano number which alludes to the bands more serious side. With a Damon Albarn style arrangement, this song drifts beautifully, giving Dee McIlroy’s strong vocals a chance to take center stage. As the track builds towards its climax the rising and gentle fall of the violins give it a Badly Drawn Boy effect, the abrupt ending suggesting that there is so much more of the Cartels to come. If they can sustain some of this emotional fragility there could be a very bright future ahead for the Lisburn lads. More of the same please!

Review by Taylor Johnson.

Check out “Tales of the Working Class” here: http://prettycartel.bandcamp.com/album/tales-of-the-working-class

Keep up to date with all things Cartel here: https://www.facebook.com/prettycartel/info

If you like: Travis, The Lumineers, Bell X1

You'll like Pretty Cartels

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EP Review
Echo Raptors
She's So Free

Having been born at the start of 1995 I remember very little, if anything, of the 1990's. Yet for as long as I can remember I have looked upon this period in time with a certain halcyon quality, were life was simpler and music really meant something. Upon hearing the sound of Belfast 4-piece "Echo Raptors" you'll soon understand why I feel transported back to that period every time I listen to one of their tunes. When I first heard the name "Echo Raptors" I was immediately intrigued, it seemed something distinctly unique, without being pretentious, something interesting, without the complexity and above all else, it sounded awesome. I then heard their first single, "Plastic People" and couldn't help but announce my new found love of the Raptors. I was hooked. This was special and for the first time since I heard Oasis live at the age of 12 years old, I remembered why I fell in love with music. I couldn't help but review their latest EP, "She's So Free".

The first track, “Change My Way” opens with a beautifully melodic guitar riff, before bursting to life in a cacophony of crashing chords. What hits you straight away is the Raptors seemingly effortless melody which leaves you with a feeling of hope. You may not be able to explain why, or even what that hope is for, but the result is the same and man does it feel good! Front man Phillip Rainey’s vocal delivery has a pristine and yet powerful effect, like an Urban Hymns era Richard Ashcroft. Perhaps it’s a bit early for such wild day dreams, but when the chorus kicks into top gear it’s easy to imagine a hundred thousand strong Glastonbury Crowd singing along to every word in the summer sunshine.

“Nothing Lasts Forever” shows the bands more emotional side, with striking and potent lyrics such as “Turn the page, turn it over and feel the weight of your own words” showing that when they want to be, the Echo Raptors can get deep too. The song fades out with an almost Manic Street Preachers quality. There was also the feeling that had The Beatles wrote tunes like, “I’ll Follow the Sun” today, it may have sounded a bit like this. Melodic and gentle, “Nothing Lasts Forever” is a beautiful way to break up the EP.

The EP ends with the title track, “She’s So Free”, this time showing off the groups rockier edge, with a real statement of intent. This track edges away from the groups 90’s roots and instead transcends to a 60’s psychedelic level. The soloing from lead guitarist Vince Caddell containing hints of George Harrison in his Beatles hay-day, while maintaining a unique tone that really captures the belief and passion of the Belfast rockers. Ending with some fade-out feedback and chants of “She’s So Free”, that leaves a lasting impression of excitement and optimism.

The Echo Raptors have created another work of Brilliance with “She’s So Free”. A swirling concoction of raw guitars, effortless vocal melodies and pure nostalgia. The Echo Raptors have the ability to make you start believing in Rock ‘n’ Roll again. All you have to do is let them.

If you like…: Oasis, The Verve, The Beatles, The Manic Street Preachers…

You’ll love Echo Raptors.

Review by Taylor Johnson.

Listen to the EP here: https://soundcloud.com/echoraptors
Buy the EP from i-Tunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/shes-so-free-single/id627504666
Follow the band on Twitter: @Echo_Raptors
Check 'em out on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/theechoraptors

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The Remedy
Death By Groove
Unsigned.

One quick scan of the Belfast lads back catalogue and it's easy to see where there influences come from! Filled with funky bass riffs and progressive, chiming guitars, The Remedy (named after a line in a late Oasis record) carry an experimental vibe, verging on Everything, Everything territory, without the 80's style synths and effects. The band cross different genres throughout the songs, with a predominantly ska sound while maintaining their indie edge. With quirky song titles such as "Monkey With A Gun" and "Crown Jewels", complete with a unique vocal delivery from frontman Joel McCracken, The Remedy certainly are different ~ and thats no bad thing!

Currently gigging around Belfast.
Follow them on twitter @TheRemedyBand
Listen to "Death By Groove" here: https://soundcloud.com/the-remedy-band-ni
Follow their musical adventures on Facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/OfficialRemedy

by Taylor Johnson

If you like Inspiral Carpets, Madness, The Stone Roses - you'll like The Remedy.