Live and Loud
Tied To The Mast are a proud DIY band and this album, recorded live at their "warehouse turned studio" in Sussex and self released, has a full, live sound which is pretty loud and intense at times; with three guitars and bass riffing away at the same time it's hardly surprising. Their influences, from 90s grunge, (bands like Nirvana and Mudhoney) to college rock (Pavement et al) shine through and inform their sound but don't take it over so that they produce a sound that's distinctively theirs.
Opener 'The Cave In' has a scuzzy sound reminiscent of The Jesus and Mary Chain, 'Take The Reigns' has shades of Pixies and 'The Creeps' is solid and crunchy with an almost classic rock feel running through it; yes there is an overall retro edge in the style of the song writing, but all of this is backed by some chunky, often quite loud and distinctly modern riffs (and sometimes vocal screams), bringing the album very much up to date in the same way that McLusky did with their 90s homage's.
There is much to like and recommend about this album; well constructed and played tunes (see more restrained offering 'Plain Lazy' for a great example of a simple yet effective melody and the technical skill on offer, less is more in this tune) with often catchy melodies, chunky and nicely scuzzy riffs giving depth, great vocals often drenched in distortion and all with an open live production sound giving a vibrant and bouncy feel it's all good.