10

A Cool Funk Infusion

A mix of blues riffs and sardonic lazy punk drawl, 'Always Together' is a curious genre-defying number that sneaks along on a syncopated bassline before the bright chorus crashes into appearance. The guitarwork is almost Chili Pepper-esque in its experimental style and use of funk solos, it seems that Big Strides just can't stop adding more and more styles into the mix.

B-side 'What's Wrong With Lucy' is a contemplative ballad which has lead singer Marcus O'Neil considering a complex young female with simple guitar riffs spasmodically rolling along in the background. 'Soundcheck Bitch' goes to the other extreme with fast-paced fretboard scratching and vocal shrieks of, "This isn't the real thing, this is just a soundcheck, bitch", it has the experimental groove of an impromptu jam but with a slick finish that makes it both fun and musically pleasing. Big Strides have a catchy and soulful sound that could take them far if inspire the right fans.