The Beat Surrender

I’ll stay by you is the debut album from Iain Petrie, playing a mix of rock/folk with a touch of many influences, however after listening to the album I may have invented a new genre for me it better fits indie/folk. The Opening track is High On A Mountain, unfortunately not a good start to the album, it’s really sad when you don’t like the first track as it can colour the judgment of the whole album. The lyrics are heartfelt but punchy at the same time and the music really well played. However Iain’s vocal are a little out of tune to me, it let down what could have been a really good track.

Next up was Steal Away, for this track, the sound is moving towards pop and a little faster in pace. Due to this or the addition of backing vocals (I think from his sister?) this is a much stronger track. I liked this very much and can see why it has been chosen as the second single to be released from the album. Talking of singles current single release from the album is I’ll Stay By You, it’s much slower in pace with a slight folk influence, but while a nice song it doesn’t have the uplifting sound of Steal Away. It is a bit one-dimensional for me and could have done with a change or two to the tempo, it became a bit boring before it ended.

The Awakening for me was very similar to the first track, the good music/lyrics spoilt by weak vocals. The next track took on a different influence, Connect To The Heart has a great intro, very jazz/blues in sound. I loved this track it was different to much of the music about at the moment and it really seemed to suit Iain Petrie’s vocals. I found myself nodding along and tapping my toes in time to the music, jolly and with a catchy beat at the same time.

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