Dead City Riots - Always Is Never The Same
The Scottish music scene has received a rather large shot in the arm courtesy of Franz Ferdinand and others. Glasgow's Dead City Riots seem to be riding that wave. Formally known as Freeview, they plugged away scoring gigs with everyone to Biffy Clyro to Kasabian. With debut album Always Is Never The Same being released on up and coming record label Casket Music, the Scottish quartet are sure to get the coverage they deserve.
Opening with the abrasive 'Kerosene' there is a jarring garage rock edge of Seattle's own Mudhoney and dirty groove of MC5. Vocalist David Cunningham has an impressive set of pipes on him. 'Whiskey Summer Junkie' sounds like a cross between We Are Scientists and Stone Temple Pilots – an odd combination but it works. 'Say Nothing' has the loud/ quiet dynamic of Nirvana.
'Where's My Pill' has the down and dirty sound that dates back to days that Dead City Riots where still known as Freeview. 'Control' has the Queens Of The Stone Age sound (the vocals seem a like but the song is a lot more danceable). 'Something's Got To Give' has the grace of a Pearl Jam song. Guitarist Paul Clark is versatile in his playing and making songs this damn catchy. Rhythm section Cameron Smart and Chris Coll gel well with each other. Closer 'Real Thing' is a bluesy acoustic number that releases the steam of the rock n roll groove carried through the album.
The word grunge maybe a swear word to some but the blend of the Seattle sound mixed with mid 90's hard rock and touch of punk translates well to record. Its upbeat whilst being raw at the same time. An awesome piece of home grown alternative rock that takes props from the past without trying to imitate them ridiculously. These guys are gonna be huge.