Catchy melodies, but is it really 'classic rock'?
Despite playing what some have described as "classic English rock" for over ten years now, Sharp Practise still fall under the heading of 'up and coming'. This is their first live album, comprising tracks from their three previous albums: "Hiya" (2000), "Radiocity" (2005), and the latest "Banging The Rocks" (2009).
From the start it's difficult to tell that it's a live album. There's a brief polite smattering of clapping at the beginning and end, and a sudden burst of applause mid-song during 'Bed Of Rhythm' when guitarist Simon Foley breaks from the semi-acoustic mood to shred the first true 'classic rock' licks of this collection. The production is exceptionally clean, and the musicianship faultless (see quirky drum solo 'Hammerhand' and Nigel Clothier's plaintive vocals.) but there's little interaction beyond that. Makes you wonder how enthusiastic the audience were about the whole thing. The songs roll along very naturally, very rarely changing style until we get to 'Bed of Rhythm' and 'Season of the Rose', halfway through.
If the label of 'classic rock' is confusing you, it's probably because you were expecting heavy licks reminiscent of Zeppelin or Sabbath. What Sharp Practice produce is a very smooth, almost acoustic set of restrained simplicity which would sit more comfortably under the label 'AOR', perhaps somewhere between Paul Heaton and Crowded House. Just turn left when you get to Peter Frampton.
"Now You See Us" is full of simple, thoughtful rock tinged faintly with folk and blues. But as catchy as the rhythms are, and as clever as the lyrical intricacies get, somewhere along the line it just fails to ignite. You may live for the 'Sound of Rock', but it will always sound more convincing if you didn't sound like James Taylor while you sang it. Opener 'Bridge Across The Harbour' is promising but sounds almost strained, and the excitement only rises with quirky final track 'Hook In My Heart'. The passion is undeniable; the music is technically clever and accomplished, but if you're looking for out-and-out rock, rather than introspective guitar anthems, you might want to catch them on another outing.