Artist: Tribes
Release: Baby (Album)
Release Date: 16th January 2012
As a new year begins it brings with it the many new artists.
Tribes bring with them a refreshingly new sound in the form of Baby. Refined, yet grungy, reminiscent of such artists as The Strokes and Feeder. The album begins with ‘Whenever’ a fairly upbeat Nirvana style track with flashes of The Horrors combining a somewhat sci-fi inspired undertone. The riffs, as previously stated, are both low and grungy which remind me of ‘Come As You Are’ one of the hit singles from the critically acclaimed album Nevermind, the Camden band have been dubbed to have said that Nirvana amongst other bands serve as musical inspiration, which really shows in both their delivery and performance. Next, ‘We Were Children’, again a fairly upbeat track, a warped and misshapen story is portrayed through heavy guitar and obscure lyrics.
‘Corner Of An English Field’ follows, a fierce American sounding ballad enrobed in extravagant pedals and extensive drum beat, the short sharp lyrics with harmonious chorus correlate to some bands such as the newly emerged Mona. ‘Halfway Home’ is more melodic, sleepy guitar with intertwined finger picking provides a very easy track which I feel should be played in front of a camp fire. “I’m not in love with you, but I won’t let you tell”, once more seems to relay a story of both desperation and feeble excuses, with an almost Springsteen style crescendo of guitar riffs symbols and snares we see a truly heartfelt anti-love song providing contrast and emotion.
‘Sappho’, a favourite of NME in 2011, is a definite statement tune, showing their intense London roots we see a very rough recording. Harmonious, dulcet tones provide the listener with a real belter of a tune. A low hum of lyrics works up to a mighty chorus which I feel is something Tribes take very seriously. Perhaps, like many bands before them, instead of trying to break out with something unrealistically new they have looked to what has been done right in the past and build on that, which works.
Next we come to ‘Himalaya’ and ‘Nightdriving’, the former takes on the ‘slow and steady wins the race’ ethos, providing an almost orchestral feel again with a large heavy guitar chorus with all of the band contributing to the low moans of pain and panic that fits with the themes of the song. I believe it is the longest track on the album and it is certainly epic; taking a while to climb but once you reach the summit its well worth it. The latter, again fairly slow contrasts with more upbeat tracks and is mainly vocal driven, simple riffs work well with a powerful chorus, less in this case is more. Probably my second favourite on the album it’s slightly sad undertone progresses and reveals a strained story rooted within rock n roll.
‘Alone Or With Friends’ Just imagine a halfway line between later Beatles days and Fleet Foxes, it’s a daunting prospect! The track is slow, slurred and breathy with vintage, earthy guitar that brings you back to a place in your childhood. Perhaps, the only exception within the album that provides something completely different from the other tracks before it.
‘Bad Apple’ the finale track and almost certainly for a reason. Possibly the most satisfying chorus chord change I have heard in years, this is by far my favourite track. It is very easy going with an American overtone combining an impressive pre chorus with heart jolting lyrics. If you are searching for the perfect break up song or possibly something to make your long tiresome days shorter and more fulfilling then Bad Apple delivers. The heavy guitar makes it and completes the album nicely.
Therefore Tribes are definitely ones to watch for 2012, the bar has been raised and the standard set, can anyone else possibly jump that high to compete?
