This album marks the fourth studio release from this 4-piece out of Johannesburg, South Africa.
I find this album has a more polished feel to it compared to their previous albums. A little more commercial sounding, which I think is a good thing for these guys. This has a very big sound for an indie band thanks to the great production here. They’re definitely aiming for a bigger audience than just art students and indie junkies, and I think the masses are going to line up for seconds.
This band seems to be getting a lot more attention these days. I guess playing in front of millions at the 2010 FIFA World Cup has its benefits. “Come Home as Heroes” was written for a German Broadcaster to promote their football team during the World Cup. This track is as catchy as it gets, promo music or not. I wouldn’t blame any Germans for rushing out and purchasing the album because of it either.
I then assumed that this was going to be a one hit album with lots of fluffy filler tracks. Not so. “Life Design”, “Should We Fight Back”, and “We Call This Dancing” are fantastic songs. “Welcome To The Weekend” is a great anthem for all your upcoming Friday nights. Listening to “Brighter Side Of Hell` makes me think Hell is not all Fire and Brimstone. If ever there was an upbeat promo for hell, this is it.
Lyrically, they’re a bit artsy and vague, but the songs are so good, you might not even notice as you sing along. The nearest comparison I can think of is The Killers, but I may be doing this band a disservice with that statement. They do have their own unique sound. To put this band in a box with a label would be a difficult chore indeed. Danceable, anthemic, pop-rock perhaps? Whatever the label, give it a listen.
There’s clearly talent here, and it will be interesting to see what direction these guys take in the future. “Welcome To The Weekend” indeed.
