Cuba Cuba - Tales From The Cabin
Not another rock band from the Welsh valleys you might be saying - well if they continue to make them like this I say keep 'em coming.
'Tales From The Cabin' is Cuba Cuba's debut EP, but between the talent of the band and a bit of help from producer Romesh Dodangoda, you'd never know it.
Starting subtly with 'Somewhere', a song that tantalises your senses with its initial tingling harmonies that kick in to an anthemic chorus then settle back into intriguing layers of sound. All of this overlaid with singer Morgan's clear voice and lyrics that just ask you to sing along with him. 'Fountains' and 'Visualize' are songs that are made for dancing. Continuing the soft verse/loud chorus blend that lifts your energy and keeps you excited.
Bats!' is a favourite of mine and not just because of the title! From the get go this song packs a punch. More urgent and forceful than the early tracks, it just begs you to get involved and sing along loudly.
Rounding things off with 'Subtitles(s)' the softest song on the EP and a nice way to wind down after the speed of track 5, 'Icarus'. It brings the EP to a smooth close, leaving you with the satisfied feeling a well balanced track list can produce.
With all five members providing vocals, as well as your standard guitar, bass, drum combination, Cuba Cuba bring in keyboards, xylophone and even clarinet! It works perfectly with every song producing subtle layers of blended sound where the more you listen to a song, the more you hear.
With huge pop hooks and sing along choruses the band channel their skills and produce exhilarating songs that get you moving and leave you feeling fulfilled.
This is pop rock at its best, take note world, Cuba Cuba are going places fast.