The Beat Surrender

The bands name is taken from that well known and loved footballer (Ian [sticks] Ormonroyd) perhaps they accidentally tuned into The Pulse one Saturday afternoon and were impressed by his unbiased and factual commentary on a Bantams game. The Pulse is the only local radio station guaranteed to be slagging off the team they allegedly support (or perhaps that’s the quality of a City game!) Whatever the reason for the name it’s not half bad for a band of five from Sheffield. The band have already supported The Futureheads, We Are Scientists, Kristen Hersh and iLiKETRAiNS.

First track up is Wenceslas, not sure why it’s called that as it didn’t remind me of Christmas in anyway, it’s an instrumental full of thrashing guitars which build and fall away like the ebb and flow of the tide. The only shame was the abrupt ending, which gave the impression someone, had cut the power rather than planned it. Next track was the strangely titled DDD, a little confusing in style as it tries to combine quiet/loud and stop/start music. While I was a little, confused by the style in the quieter moments the vocals were lovely.

Perfect Design blends the energetic guitars really well with emotive vocals. The guitars I found reminded me of early work by Feeder, however the vocals were in a class of their own. Another change in style for next track Eyes On The Road, strong drum beat throughout, quieter vocals combining with shimmering electric guitar and strong acoustic guitar. For me this was one of the stand out tracks, very reminiscent of early Brit Pop or even Embrace in there best early days.

More change in style for Quick Run, much more melodic, even melancholy vocals. Almost country in style, this wasn’t my favourite track, however all this chopping and changing in style is showing just how versatile this band can be. Good basis is this as you don’t want to be a one hit wonder band. From the opening notes of Turn it Over I know this is going to be a happy bouncy pop number and that’s the way it stays. Does the fast/slow thing but this time it really works well. Love the guitars which almost come across as a well-loved chorus, I found my self-waiting for them throughout the track.

Given Time Those Hearts Will Crack is even slower with strong acoustic guitar and drums with a strange slightly out of tune vocals (strange but good). The guitars build to a crashing crescendo of drums/guitar/synth, not the strongest of track but still ok. Another slower melancholy track is El Potential, full of emotive vocals this time with the addition of violin. Just as you think you may drift off with the gentleness of it, in comes a chorus of shimmering loud guitars and almost chanted vocals, absolutely brilliant. Next up is Scarlet, for this the band take on an almost punk sound, great harmonising, not a particular strong track on first listen but it definitely grew the more I played this one.

It’s Gone Too Far, starts with lovely synth/violin, lovely vocals, and great lyrics all very emotional. Definitely one of my favourite tracks of the album the quiet/loud effect works well. Longest most descriptive song title has to go to If I’d Known It Was The Last Time I’d Have Opened Both My Eyes. Now I’m not sure this would make a good single, not because it’s not brilliant enough because it is, I just don’t imagine that many of the empty headed radio DJ’s would be able to remember so many words in one go. Fabulous lyrics, a poignant tale of regret, Cate Tully not only plays violin on this track she also provides lovely harmonies on the chorus. However, what really makes the track stand out is the very unusual use of Greek/Cypriot influence to the guitar. I could almost feel myself being drawn in to some sort of manic heel dancing (don’t know the name for the Greek dancing but anyone who’s been there on holiday will get the picture). This track for me was the best on the album its unusual, but brilliantly put together.

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