TEA STREET BAND – FREQUENCY
Only on their second album, this Liverpool lot create an electro pop stew with bits of disco, funk and catchy melodies which are capably of sticking around for days. Think Chemical Brothers meets Everything Everything with a sprinkling of New Order yet with their own distinguished electro ambience. Deep synth and dance rhythms overlaid with guitars is their stating point, with lyrics ranging from frontman Timo Tierney‘s musings on everyday life, politics and the world in general, to more emotionally charged fare. On ‘Sacre Coeur’ they channel their inner Depeche Mode for a moody yet atmospheric tune with squelchy synth pads and subtle guitar riffs adding to the huge sound – combining synths, and guitars has rarely been done so effortlessly. ‘Only Love’ goes for a more pop sound, with more sweeping synths and those guitar notes weaving riffs over the top, whereas ‘Marseille Blues’ is simply a tune rammed full of beats you just want to dance to, while singer Tierney tells a tale of love and longing. It’s not all dancefloor beats though as ‘Hearts Collide’ has a more reflective pace, with a tale of lost love and jealousy, whereas ‘Enter The Void’ has deep techno resonances, before those uplifting guitars sweep in again, as does ‘Taken It All’ – a flash of pure electro synth bliss with dark techno undertones and lighter melodies scattered on top. This second album was recorded in Liverpool’s legendary Parr St Studios, and they’re following in the footsteps of many a Liverpudlian band who have gone before, with a great ear for melody, but this lot combine it with electro synths and more dancefloor filling beats. An indie electro blast of adrenalin!
Out Now (Modern Sky Records)
From the early days of creating handmade zines, in a DIY paper and glue style, interviewing bands around town, then pestering Piccadilly Records to sell them, to writing for various independent mags such as Chimp and Ablaze, writing about the music I love is still a great passion. After testing the music industry waters in London with stints at various labels, being back in my hometown again, writing about this city’s vibrant music scene is as exciting as ever. All time favourite bands include Sonic Youth, Nick Cave, Patti Smith although anything from electro to folk via blues and pysch rock will also do nicely too. A great album, is simply a great album, regardless of whatever musical cage you put it in.
