Chase The Enemy

Chase The Enemy have already achieved a huge amount for a band that only found their current form some 18 months ago. 2011 has seen them supporting the likes of Mallory Knox and Futures, playing numerous venues across East Anglia (as part of a summer tour), and releasing their debut self-titled, six track EP. Add to that two battle of the bands victories (at Y Fest and Great Baddow), and you get some idea of how busy these guys have been over the last year and a half. A workload like the one mentioned would be challenging enough for seasoned scene veterans, but the fact that most of CTE's five parts are not even old enough to buy a round of drinks at the venues they perform in, makes their success all the more impressive.

I first came across CTE through youtube (the video for single 'Lionheart'), and therein lies a major strength that the band has over some of their young contemporaries. Their social media presence is spot on, with the band tweeting and facebooking their arses off to get their music to as many potential fans as possible (using 'theenemy' in each of their twitter handles is a particularly clever touch). Although this says nothing of their music (which can speak for itself), utilising the power of social media shows a clear understanding of what is needed to climb the first few rungs of the modern-day industry ladder. The band get regular mentions and tags through Facebook and Twitter statuses, and are not averse to posting the odd freebie cover or teaser video every so often. But don’t be mistaken by this praise; their tech savviness doesn't distract from their ability to write, record, and perform, all of which they do with an admirable mix of maturity and enthusiasm.   

The EP opens with ‘Weigh Me Down’, a huge pop punk anthem that is really brought to life by singer Jessica Moore’s energetic vocal and James Buck’s wailing lead guitar licks. The middle eight section takes the edge off of the crunchy, driving chorus just long enough for Jessica to bring the intensity back to the boil as Thomas Moore’s drum roll builds into a final chorus and outro that cements CTE’s ability to take things up a notch when necessary. ‘Hiding Away’ features another huge chorus, with heartfelt lyrics that are tinged with a sad sense of regret/acceptance. The recurrence of the uplifting guitar slides gives the track an optimistic feel, which is also in evidence on third track ‘Give Us The Sky’, which features a chugging verse rhythm courtesy of Tom Bellman (rhythm guitar) and Josh Dawson (bass). The versatility of Jessica’s voice is clear from the tender pre chorus, which launches into another big, powerful dance-along chorus that bobs around in your head long after the first couple of listens.

‘Jewels’ is more reserved than the EP’s five other tracks, suffering a little from being in the five minutes plus category. If CTE have a weakness it may be in the length of the longer songs, as they flail a little following the initial attack of the first three minutes. ‘Lionheart’ is more concise, crashing in from the first few seconds before lulling the listener into a gentle verse with the haunting lines, ‘So grab the gun and get gone, don’t let anyone inside, just get the money and run, don’t leave anyone behind.’ The huge outro and professional video make ‘Lionheart’ a solid choice for a single release, and captures a sound that the band will surely try to replicate with future recordings. Final track ‘Victim’ is also in anthem territory, with an infectious energy and undeniably catchy chorus, giving an indication of how big CTE could potentially become.

Catch Chase The Enemy now at any of the links below.

 

http://www.myspace.com/chasetheenemy

http://www.twitter.com/chasetheenemy

http://www.youtube.com/user/chasetheenemy

http://cte.bigcartel.com

Dead End Liars – ‘Monarch’ Single Review

So the wait is over. After what feels like months of mysterious status updates and tantalising iphone video clips, Colchester two piece Dead End Liars have finally released debut single Monarch via their new website www.deadendliars.co.uk.  Rising from the ashes of Sign or Die favourites Flares, Danny Gaisford (bass and vox) and Scott Clarke (drums) have reunited for another assault on the Colchester scene, stripping their sound back to the primal rhythmic simplicity of acoustic drums and distorted bass. And although they’re missing the third arm of the Flares arsenal, you’ll be pleased to hear that Monarch delivers the same raw, catchy energy that made their previous form such a live favourite.

Monarch opens with a glassy hats beat and mind churning bass riff before hunkering down into a hefty, marching verse. The sense of outsider alienation in the chorus lyrics ‘For Queen and country, who said that? We’re on our own now, so watch our backs’ hints at an intriguing anarchic spirit, and sounds as sincere as you’ll get when delivered in Danny’s colloquial, almost nonchalant twang. The final chorus kicks you in the face with meaty, no flab drumming (not a moment is wasted on unnecessary breaks or flashy fills) before a return to the opening bass riff, which closes out the track.

Dead End Liars will be making their first live appearance at The Judge & Jury, Colchester on Thursday 2^nd February 2012. If you’re into no frills, no fuss rock and roll, then these guys will be right up your street. Marrying the chaotic fuzz zeal of notorious two piece Death From Above 1979 with a very English Britpop sensibility, DEL are sure to capture the collective imagination. And if Monarch is anything to go by, then the duo’s debut EP will be as eagerly anticipated as their return to the scene.

www.deadendliars.co.uk

http://www.facebook.com/deadendliars?sk=info

http://www.twitter.com/deadendliars

http://deadendliars.tumblr.com/

The Suggested

Now I don’t know how much skanking goes on in the pubs and bars of Colchester on your average weekend, but unless there’s been an overnight ska/two tone revival in Britain’s oldest town, I would imagine the answer is ‘not nearly enough.’ But a resurgence could well be on the cards, especially with the likes of local four piece The Suggested bashing out their boisterous skunkalongs to anyone foolish enough to get within spitting distance. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with harking back to an image or style that was born out of genuine youthful rebellion, especially with the current smog of monotonous metalcore and pop punk pomposity that seems to be settling over some important towns and venues.

 A story to be told, an acoustic-based band love in that tells of bonds forged from heavy nights, late night practice sessions, and chaotic live performances, will have you dusting off your Fred Perry polo shirt and buffing up your Doc Martens, ready for the skanking to begin. The sense of nostalgia fuelled by tales of drinking, smoking, fighting, and generally having a good time, speaks to anyone who has ever attended a raucous teenage house party-come-impromptu gig, and you can’t help feeling that this track could be the perfect accompaniment to a This is England style montage. Luke Fisher’s distinctive, blokey snarl sounds even better on Conceited, a third wave ska track that features a strutting verse bassline and Americana style chorus (complete with mob backing vocals). Things get a bit mental in the middle eight, before the hooky sing-along chorus comes back in, accompanied by some horns that follow the melody through to the end.

Hats off to these guys for being true to a style that they clearly love, even if it may seem a little dated in the context of the current scene. There’s plenty of room in Colchester for bands with a solid identity, and given their fondness for an energetic live performance, I’m sure The Suggested will get their boot in the door at the first opportunity. Get ready for some old school skanking.

The Suggested play The Soundhouse at The Bull, Colchester on 30^th December.

http://www.facebook.com/thesuggestedband

http://www.reverbnation.com/thesuggestedband