Scottish Storm Moving South
This blast of noise is Chris Cusack, Mr Hart, Colin Morrison and Pete McCulloch, who between them put the likes of Weezer, Frank Zappa, Nirvana and Fugazi on their love lists and have a longer “I would like to thank…” list than any Oscar winner.
The first number, “Trial of the Century”, is so solid that it more than copes with the changes of pace within it. Quirky guitar work to open the number doesn’t at first seem to marry with the depth of the rest, but the more you hear it the more you realise it is integral. This is an excellent number. And “Tethercat” manages to get the mix of soft and harder sounds just right, and in the chorus there is an echo of these guys' home country.
Their ability to play fast and tight shines especially on “You Are What They Eat”- a number in which they have no trouble keeping the rhythm going. This is one track that could easily lose direction, given it’s length, but the guys manage to keep it in time, on line and switchblade sharp. It’s not a “hit the skip button” sound. “Safety In Numbers” on the other hand, has that rock beat and guitar screams combined with vocals that are only centre stage when they need to be. Without the competition for noise this brings balance to a good number.
The way their music is showcased and Dead Or American’s ability to play this has the feel of a new Scottish rebellion. If they carry this sound through with the album they are working on then these guys are going to go all the way.