Long-View show their emotions
With studies of classical music theory behind frontman Rob McVey, Long-View are placed in a good position to rival the current masters of affective rock, including this year’s emo sweethearts Keane. This double A-side showcases two very different tracks; personally I find one stunning and the other much of a muchness, however a quick survey reveals that many of my flatmates feel the opposite. That’s irrelevant; except for the fact it proves the double A-side choice is a wise one.
The first track, “Only When You Sleep”, is a sparky rock ballad with panoramic feel. Already a live favourite it’s too rousing for a lighters moment, but the melodic vocals of the chorus have real emotional depth. The melt-in-your-mouth vocals and gooey lyrics, “you don’t know what you do to me” are supported by the chunky chorus riffs and gutsy guitar work. Not only is it tasty, but it’s also intoxicatingly catchy.
The other side of the double A-side is the amiable Dr Jekyll of the pair. Where “Only When You Sleep” has snatches of crunchy overdriven guitar, “Coming Down” fills in with harmonic guitar. It’s a slightly depressed number, slowing down to a sorrowful lament, but still brimming over with feeling and mellow vocals. “Coming Down” is not the song to listen to first thing in the morning.
Whichever of the two you prefer, Long-View have created a strong and thoughtful pair of songs, which wouldn’t seem out of place on any radio station play list in 2005.