Lick Online - Demo Reviews

With a sackful of hot reviews for previous single 'Awesome! No Way!' under their belts, Captain Face are all fired up and ready to go with their new single 'Small Joy'.
Set for release on July 2nd via Fat Hippy Records, the song demonstrates Captain Face's ability to pull off a really original sound whilst retaining that much needed sell ability.
'Small Joy' boasts the quirkiness of Hot Hot Heat and the catchy choruses any boyband would kill for, whilst retaining that authentic indie sound through roaring vocals and hard-hitting drums.
Definitely one for the summer.

Florida based punk outfit Against Me! have been on the scene for some time now, having already released three successful albums on indie labels and touring worldwide following their release.
This year the band face their biggest achievement yet, the release of their fourth album on major label Sire Records.
'New Wave' is set for release this summer, and judging by this snippet of rage-ridden punk, it is set to be equally as intense.
'White People For Peace' is an instantly catchy grunge tinged punk tune, displaying the dark vocals of Tom Gabel which are reminiscent of a young Alkaline Trio.
The band's political tendancies are unavoidable, and one must wonder of the music world needs another band singing in protest to the war on terror.
If Against Me! can demonstrate their intelligence amongst the good melodies and thrashing guitars, 'New Wave' is set to be a pretty awesome album.

Fiona Reid

A saucy song title will always garner a certain amount of interest, as well as providing an excuse to slap a picture of someone’s crotch on your CD cover. However, novelty rock fans seduced by Drive By Argument’s shameless use of such underhand tactics will be sorely disappointed.

Dispensing with the cheeky charade, the second single from the electronic influenced rockers showcases a darker side to indie disco, with angst ridden vocals hurtling along on the back of pounding drums, driving bass and sweeping synth riffs. All without a single reference to the adult oriented telecommunications industry.

B-side ‘Dennistoun’s That Way’ switches tempo, its plaintive lyrics, electronic beats and synth recalling the 80s ballads of Ultravox and the like. Once again ignoring the hopes and expectations raised by its name, the track provides no real clue as to the geographical location of the great Glasgow borough of Dennistoun. Not one. What happened to the days when song titles used to mean something? Eh?

‘Sex Lines Are Expensive Comedy’ is released on June 25th via Lizard King Records.

Annie McLaughlin

Strike the Colours consists of Jenny Reeve (collaborator with Malcolm Middleton, Idlewild and Arab Strap, to name but a few) and a fairly fluid line-up of Scottish musicians. Reeve’s hushed, honeyed vocals are reminiscent of a more reflective Tanya Donelly, whilst the subtly understated sound initially gives the impression of a gentle, delicately folky collection of songs. However, with a few listens the quality of the songs really emerges and the deceptive hooks do their work. At times it’s like listening to a more subtle, dreamy Sons and Daughters or hearing Throwing Muses play gentle folk-country.
There’s a feeling that these six songs have been gradually etched out over time and allowed to breathe. A quiet talent more often seen working away in support of other bands, Jenny Reeve clearly has the ability to craft beguiling music deserving of its own space on the Scottish music scene.

www.strikethecolours.com

Lorraine Douglas