Mobile
The Deal: UK trio releases debut disc of charged-up indie rock.
The Good: The band's first single, "I Know What I Am," has been swarming radio waves and it's only a good indication of the band's "vibe" in its harmonized vocals – the rest of the album isn't as pop-leaning. The album kicks off with "Light of the Morning," which immediately hits the listener with the vocal duet of Emma Richardson and Russell Marsden and distortion-laden instrumentation. There may be a hint of White Stripes in there, but only in its rough-around-the-edges production and in-your-face energy. While the Wall of Sound style hits you, everything is still crystal clear – there were brief moments when I thought of The Black Keys. While the single goes pop and others are garage rock, they continue to show diversity with the acoustic "Honest." Richardson's vocals sound fantastic in a mellow setting and pair nicely with Marsden in moments of harmony or behind the charged-up fuzz-fused guitar. It's hard to believe they only formed last year. "Impossible" wasn't my favorite track on the album – it's more of a soundscape than a song at times – but I still had a hard time skipping past it.
The Bad: No complaints.
The Verdict: Could be considered a garage-rock version of The White Stripes with an album that gets better with every listen. Another album that's easily going to make the top 10 of the year (at this point) and will fight for the top spot.
Shangri-La; Release date: July 28, 2009
Latest in Hit & Run Reviews
More by Jeff Hahne
-
Chvrches ups the energy
Oct 17, 2018 -
Florence & The Machine offer a vocal showcase in Charlotte area
Oct 4, 2018 -
Bill Murray, Jan Vogler and Friends entertain with wit, classic arts
Oct 2, 2018 - More »
Calendar
-
¡Tumbao! Psychedelic Salsa Orchestra comes to Queen City! @ Snug Harbor
-
TOMMY PRINE with The Hill Country Devil (18+ Valid ID required for entry into venue / Under 18 permitted with parent) @ Neighborhood Theatre -
Kansas & 38 Special with The Outlaws @ Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre- Fri., June 27, 6:15 p.m.
-
-
Tiago PZK @ The Underground
- Fri., June 27, 8 p.m.
-
-
Chrisette Michele @ Headliners Uptown Charlotte- Fri., June 27, 8 p.m. and Sat., June 28, 8 p.m.
-
-
After 22 Years, the Monday Night Allstars Are Still Alive and Kickin' 1
Soul Survivors
-
John Elderkin Picks Up David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust 45 Years On
Starman Sequel
-
After 30 years, Ministry says C U LaTour
One last fix
