"Dreams Of Dynamite and Divinity"
Rating: 4/5
"Pop-Rock". A term which in itself sounds a little bit dirty, and too often associated with sub rate pretty boy bands who bounce onto kids TV with perfectly coiffed hair and shiny new shoes and pretend guitars... Well move over kids, because the times are a-changing.
Following the 1999 USA release of their last album "Stereodreamscene", Scottish based quartet Deckard have produced a corker in the shape of "Dreams Of Dynamite And Divinity" which transcends the pop-rock label which has been slapped on them. Doing themselves no harm after having their tracks played on various US TV shows, they have captured their pop sensibilities, combined them with a more American orientated sound and played them out with vigour and style, whilst not being afraid to express their hardened, edgier side through the rumbling guitars and crescendoing choruses displayed throughout the CD.
Possessing a voice that swoops from pained and heartfelt, through to harmonic, Chris Gordon provides a commentary, which perfectly complements the music. While there is an underlying sense throughout that this has all been done before, tracks such as "Holy Rolling" and "Grace’s Estate" stand out as being the perfect antidote to the generic alternative around at the moment, and as the chorus to "Fall Down At Their Feet" kicks in, you can't help but be taken along for the ride, packed full of melody and pounding guitars.
Honest lyrics, wonderfully executed melodies and well-polished delivery make for an extremely enjoyable listen. There is a distinct sense of déjà vu here though, as there is nothing completely new and fresh on show, yet Deckard have perfected the art of guitar driven pop and placed their own stamp on this album, which is by no means a bad thing.
Amy Wilson |
