The Music is/are Great (Welcome To The North - The Music)

Member Name: Midrange

Product:	Welcome To The North - The Music
Date:	06/09/08 (6 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Strong, edgey, almost feverish pop-rock with highly distinctive vocals

Disadvantages: A tiny bit of filler and some not-so-hot lyrics

"The Music" (possibly one of the most awkward names the band could have chosen!) are a loud, slick and powerful rock band from Leeds. As well as some chunky and tasty guitar riffs, this band have a strong "dance" vibe to their sound - check out "Freedom Fighters" for instance, with it's choked hi-hat and soaring chorus.

I am always returning to this album. This is their second, and in my opinion, their finest release. Their self titled debut album was good - but just felt messy in places. In "Welcome to the North" the band have really tightened up and produced some really catchy pop-rock tunes.

The album open with a phasing, kind of jangling guitar riff. When the drums kick in you know you're in for a treat. Drummer, Phil Jordan, builds up some really complex beats - he possesses that rare talent of "musical" drumming. Check out the beats on the third track "Bleed From Within" - the percussion section is intense! What really makes this band stand out to me though is Robert Harvey's lead vocals. They're across between (highly melodic) screeching and a haunting kind of tremulous voice... I guess you'll just have to hear it for yourself! I can imagine some listeners would find his tone annoying - but I love it!

I been enjoying this album for the last four years. I return to it again and again. So many great tracks. The punchy "Freedom Fighters" with a guitar riff to die for, the poundin' song "Breakin'" with it's almost anthemic edge and the beautiful "Long Ago" - a song which my wife really likes. (Her music taste is generally classier and softer than mine!)

I can usually sit through the entire album with no problems. "Bleed From Within" does go on a bit long in my opinion and "Cessation" feels like a bit of filler. The rest is powerful, well played pop-rock. Lyrically, there are some dire moments in the album - but it doesn't matter all that much! There's a slight philosophical edge to someone, a little bit of material on "the north" and some generic "lost love" stuff - it flows nicely and the music is great.

Summary: Northern rock with attitude, excellent riffage and catchy tunes. Highly recommended.