UK rock outfit Annalise release their latest album
WHEY! A UK band on an American label! Exeter's Annalise release their debut No Idea release and with it, 10 rounds of KO pop punk. The band who are renowned for their toilet tours and dedication to DIY in the UK, formed in 1995 and have since released a number of records through Pigdog records. The band has a hint of that famous No Idea sound but with it comes a 'The Jam' feel, making the band's sound much British based than anything else.
The greatest thing about Annalise is they have culture. Rarely do you find a rock band whose culture heavily influences their music. Songs such as 'New Sound' and 'Every Day There's a New Reason To Do The Right Thing' include lyrics about football and extra time. 'Time Capsule' includes lyrics about 'subbuteo, books and guitars,' subjects rarely touched by UK punk bands. It's hard to take a band so seriously when you're subject to hearing such topics. There's no doubt that the British Isles heavily influences the band and there's lot of 'British Indie' hidden within the sound. Songs such as 'A Summer Car and a Winter Car' have those typical Indie traits within them, such as the double time ride time and semi-distorted guitars.
It's quite interesting to see a band such as Annalise signed by No Idea due to the contrast between the band and the rest of the roster. There's elements of the bands music that strike me a little bit like the Grabass Charlestons but there's no Gunmoll in there or Hot Water Music.
'Here's To Hope' is certainly not your normal No Idea record so will fans of the label internationally catch on the CD? Maybe if they like a bit of Jam infected punk then yes. Although it's great to see a UK band getting internationally recognised, the band aren't anything exciting or stimulating but let's hope for best and see more UK bands getting this kind of recognition.