The Beat Surrender

Regular visitors to TBS may know by now my views on the power of music; the feelings, the emotions, the sheer life it evokes. And I’ve remarked before on a sprinkling of lyrics from tracks that’ve stopped me doing what I’m doing for a moment or two.

Well that’s just been beaten. Courtesy of Operator Six, I’ve lost almost a week. Immersed, entranced, enchanted, absorbed…. such is the power of this select compilation of 7 tracks from this Bradford-based indie four-piece.

Formed in 2002, Adam (vocals, guitar, keys), Alex (guitars), Darren (bass) and Ian (drums) are not only celebrating their success locally, but nationally too. After playing venues around the Bradford and Keighley areas, things kicked off in 2004 when they supported Ocean Colour Scene’s frontman, Simon Fowler, which then led to them supporting OCS at Birmingham Academy later that year. A break that has resulted in them performing virtually non-stop ever since. They’ve supported OCS again in Holmfirth, done Bradford’s St George’s Hall, played innumerable venues in Keighley, Bradford, London (100 Club, ULU), Derbyshire, Wales, Huddersfield, Leeds (inc Joseph’s Well), and played to a crowd of over 6000 with Paul Weller at Telford International Centre. The latter has led to a succesfull relationship with, and the support of, the Man Himself, resulting in Operator Six having the use of his facilities at Black Barn Studios, the footage of which can be seen on the band’s website.

My demo cd opens with one of the band’s new tracks, You’re Not Smiling, and immediately I’m transported into a feel-good tune; an assault of upbeat guitars and crashing symbols, acting as the perfect backdrop to introduce frontman Adam’s astounding and multi-facetted vocals. In contrast, The Madness I’ve Done is an evocative combination of piano, melodious guitar and subdued percussion, complemented by intensely mesmerising lyrics. Amazingly intricate, fast-paced guitar riffs and thrashing drums dominate one of my favourite tracks, Every Single Way, the highlight for me being a climatic bass and drum-led bridge bringing all sounds together with passionate vocals.

Religion starts as a hauntingly dark track combining strings and acoustic guitar with Adam’s soft tones, then is transformed by Alex’s thrashing guitar, Ian’s drums and a fantastic bassline from Darren. This was initially my least favourite of the collection, but it’s definitely one that grows. My absolute favourite of this unique compilation has to be Waiting For which I’m told proves to be a crowd pleaser every time. For me, it’s the perfect balance of balladic verses contrasting with moody vocals and anthemic choruses, and I can’t help but love it.

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