Having just reviewed The Ninth
Watch's new single 'Forever Is
A Long Times' for WordsForMusic, I thought it only fair that I did a
full EP review given how much I enjoyed the aforementioned single.
Whilst not strictly an EP exactly, the CD is more of a sampler given
out by the band at request and features four tracks, including
'Forever Is A Long Time'
Track
One, 'Concrete Boots' is a Kasbian-esque
riot of a song that benefits from a guitar riff that without a doubt
will get stuck in your head almost as much as the chorus. Singer
Ahern's voice is one part Ian Brown
and one part Tom from The Enemy. Something
which works to his advantage rather than detract from the overall
sound of the track.
The
second track, 'Apples of My Eyes a much mellower acoustic number, in
which Ahern shows us he's not just a one track pony. His voice is
fantastic throughout 'Apples...', managing to hold notes that you
would be forgiven for thinking he ought not attempt, without it once
breaking. The drums on this track are brilliantly recorded, with
every high-hat audible and complimentary of the understated guitar
which carries the song almost as much as Ahern's vocals do.
'Forever
Is A Long Time' is the third track on the album, and a stand alone
review can be found by clicking here. It's a strong track, and not dissimilar
to 'Concrete Boots' and one sure to go down as a live favourite given it's danceable nature.
Track
Four entitled 'The Optimist' is fairly self descriptive. Mellow and
uplifting throughout, Ahern's voice once again steals the show and
allows the song to reach dizzying heights not before exhibited by the
band. At times sounding like both U2
and Keane might be
enough to deter some people; however fortunately The Ninth Watch
manage to sound enough like themselves not to be considered too
derivative of other bands and what they've done with 'The Optimist'
is create probably their strongest song yet.
I've
said it before, and will no doubt say it again. The Ninth Watch are a
band destined for bigger things. Their radio-friendly indie pop is
mellow enough to appeal to fans of all ages and secure them a future
place in the charts while still upholding buckets of individuality.
I urge everyone with an interest in underground music to check this
band out while they're still able to play smaller venues.
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