The Glaswegian quartet obviously has some very weird dreams, if the title of "I Dream of Dynamite"‚ is to be believed. Or, perhaps this is a wry play on their Bladerunner inspired moniker (they take their name from Harrison Ford‚s character in the film) with dynamite replacing sheep in an androids dreams.
Anyhoo, this is the band‚s first release since their debut album Stereodreamscene and contains three stonking new tracks. Both Dynamite‚ and second track Nothing More‚ hit their stride immediately, delivering catchy slices of melodic Brit-pop/rock and showcase Chris Gordon's maturing syrupy vocal talents and quirky lyrical refrains.
But, its the third track, Be Nobody Else‚ that really struck me the most. A plaintive elegy to a failed relationship, with Gordon's voice taking on an edgy whine that's reminiscent of Frank Black and some of the The Pixies more haunting tracks.
Deckard quote The Beatles and Radiohead as influences and while they tread similar
ground to the latter, they mange to do it without sounding like self-absorbed miserablists. Instead, we get thoughtful, intelligently written songs which touch on the darker side of life, without every having to resort to sulking in the shadows. A genuine talent is brewing here, so maybe its time you joined them in their dreams.
Adrian Jones. |
