Go Buy 747
Killer indie with blues hooks and plenty of lead guitar trickery are what's proffered on this fresh new offering from 747s, which is packed with intoxicating tunes. With a mix of Irish, English, German and Italian blood on board, it's only fitting that 'Zampano' feels like a journey of sorts, conjuring up images of different exotic locations in its myriad of sounds. Indeed even their name '747s' refers to the most common of aircraft, although it was a 737 that was their inspiration, and not one that took the band on a pleasant holiday trip, but on which they were falsely accused of being terrorists.
'Night & Day' is fabulous opener bursting with cool rock vibes and jangly guitars, with a really expansive feel to its energetic guitar-led groove. 'Missed That Sun' mentions listening to Johnny Cash at sunset and its loping rhythm recalls the old master's country sway, but with screaming guitar solos; similarly 'Rain Kiss' is a mellow number with a smattering of feel good handclaps to its credit. While it has a slightly more ska beat and punchy vocal harmonies, 'Leave Your Job Today' is pleasantly direct with its call to down tools, there's a hint of punk rock frustration in the riotous, spontaneous sounding guitar work that leads to the end of the track as well.
Mixing the rough with the smooth, 'Zampano' has a gorgeous jazz piano backing that paints a picture of underground clubs and the vocals are instantly silky smooth, 'Goodbye For A While' takes the same sleek bluesy approach with great success; drummer Massimo is the jazz fan and this could certainly be the soundtrack to a blissed out Sicilian summer. The theatricality and piano chords of 'Miles Away' move us closer to home, perhaps a British pleasure beach with a fair crowd clapping along to the feel-good tune.
Soon the rippling melody of 'Nature's Alibi' melts into languid 'Into The Shadows' completing this laidback duo, contrasting the ferocity of earlier numbers. Edgy disco beats are the name of the day on 'Anxiety', 'The Return' takes the same style but adds calling guitar delay and a strong mixture of harmonic tripped-out vocals that feel as if they're in a far out, exotic dream.
Unfortunately given the recent release of their album, 'Death Of A Star's psychedelic journey takes us a little too close to Muse for it to receive the attention it deserves as a stunning, chilled out number with a crashing guitar chorus; where Bellamy's space voyages are full of peaks and troughs, 747s' is smooth and rich enough to melt in your mouth like a glass of Baileys. 'October Air' has the catchy rawness of Dirty Pretty Things but with far more harmonies packed into its 3-minute duration.
'Zampano' is a delightful debut album playing with so many styles, but maintaining a creative confidence that really impresses. Travelling 747 has never been so fascinating and entertaining.