Lick Online - Demo Reviews

>> 24/7 EP

It often goes down well when a musician puts their heart into a song. Honesty is something that cannot easily be faked – many bands slip up in the eager chase to ape their heroes – so it is always a pleasure to hear a cd in which every note is meant and every lyric resonates with truth.

John Alexander’s 24/7 ep is a true gem. Not only is the man a gifted musician he is also a superb singer and songwriter. (The last time I heard such an amazing study of country-tinted folk was on Gary Ryan’s ‘Scenes from the Wild West’ movement from the ‘World’s Apart’ album – Google it!)

‘When the Wind Blows’ is a fantastic first track. Anyone familiar with the late 70s and the emergent works of the early ‘Americana’ artists should fall in love with this. It has both a Parson’s-esque edginess and a Cash-like smoothness. The production is minimalism at its best leaving acres of space for the song to breathe. Magical. The same can be said for the rest of the four tracks here but ‘Don’t Give it Up’ also deserves special mention. Doing what this music does best, it lifts the soul despite the often bleak, minor key writing.

For fans of Gram Parsons, Townes Van Zandt, the Byrds (and so on) this modern, Scottish take will hypnotise you. In fact, if you’re a fan of music, in the true sense of the word, you’ll love this cd.

>> Russell Moore

www.johnalexander.info
www.myspace.com/hotlemonmusic

>> Potent Resonance

I put off listening to this cd for a while. The jagged head of the Jackson guitar on the cover just gave me the heebie-jeebies. For, you see, I am a Jazzmaster man and no longer one for the sustain-loaded scream of the ‘heavy metal’ section of yer average guitar catalogue.

But listen I did, and it’s not all that bad. Mr Robinson is a guitarist of quite virtuosic abilities and the three tracks here show his talent for a) rockin’ riffs, b) gentle acoustic Led Zep-spiked folk and c) ladling generous layers of ripping solos upon all and sundry.

The problem is that this is where it ends. There are no vocals (thus no lyrics) and this leads the listener to work a little harder when looking for a song structure. Within the chords and the solos there are, no doubt, melodies a-plenty – it’s a shame he doesn’t work with a co-writer to generate lyrics and add some vocals. It’s not epic instrumentals in the vein of the Mogwai or Oceansize mould we’re dealing with here; the emotion of the song isn’t being fully translated by the music.

Given the right voice and the right lyrics this is a cd that would certainly tempt people back for multiple listens; sadly, as it stands, it’s a one-off novelty.

>> Russell Moore

www.myspace.com/robinsonkeith

>> Shotgun
>> JAB Records

Single number 2 from this solid Glasgow 5-piece as they try and catch a break in this funny ol' music business. Having previous single Walkaway out through Circus Recordings - Recliner have moved to Glasgow based Label JAB records for a second bite at the cherry.

It's hard to describe this track as anything other than indie rock n roll as it doesn't pretend to be anything it's not. There's the trademark mid-90's guitar sound from the off and a catchy wee chorus, but the band seem to still be playing within their influences and havn't quite put their own stamp on things yet.

Still, a solid tune none-the-less with a tight backline, nice harmonies and excellent production, and hat's off to the band as they continue their relentless assault on the Scottish scene with gigs here, there and everywhere.

Hard gets you everywhere. Let's just see where Recliner end up.

>> Joe Sach

www.myspace.com/reclinerglasgow

>> Not Alone Ep

It’s a mixed bag of nuts on offer from Table 57. From the spiked guitar angles of ‘Not Alone’ through the Offspring 90s punk sound of ‘Hidden Agenda’ and on to the Be Here Now-alike ‘Think Twice’ it appears that Table 57 are out to please as many people as possible. As a single disc it sounds like three different bands.

This, at least, points to many influences and a willingness to experiment – good qualities. But what this ep lacks is a comprehensive unity: a direction for the band to follow. With a solid identity this band could build on the audience they already have and make bigger splashes than they already have. At present there are still too many reminders of the covers band they used to be.

‘Not Alone’ seems to be their truest song and the one they should be rightfully backing. These boys need to get over being fans of other bands and concentrate on what could make people fans of their band.

Playing October 28th at ABC2 and December 23rd at The Cavern (Liverpool).

>> Russell Moore

www.table57.co.uk
www.myspace.com/table57

>> I See Too Much of Myself in You

The first single from Glasgow’s The Ideal Panic is a solid three-track effort. Title track ‘I See…’ starts with a throbbing disco beat and quickly breaks into a staccato indie riff. Obviously keen to show a range of abilities there are several harmonies and hooks crammed into its two and a half minutes. With several catchy vocal and musical breaks it should bring a nice splash of sunshine into the autumn.

The b-sides strongly resemble The Killers and U2 respectively. No bad thing but for the fact they are practically identical to these other bands: but with influences of this calibre perhaps it’s no bad thing to wear them on your sleeve. It helps that the band has personality and ideas enough to transcend sloppy imitation – a slick reggae break pushes ‘Say!’ along and, despite its U2-by-numbers intro, ‘The Blame Game’ is actually the strongest track on the single. A slow builder based around an incredibly strong melody and guitar line that becomes a truly memorable tune.

The Ideal Panic should storm Scotland this October on the strength of this evidence.

Playing 13th Note on October 5th, the tour also hits Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen

>> Russell Moore

www.myspace.com/theidealpanic