Since their emergence in 2011, Exeter based rockers I DIVIDE have steadily proven themselves as genuine contenders for success in an admittedly heaving UK music scene. Releasing “What’s Worth More” that same year, it was clear from the start that this 5-piece wasn't doing anything by halves; proving they were already capable of churning out top tunes, but fast forward a couple of years and we find ourselves listening to a much more confident and comfortable band. With the release of “Last One Standing”, let’s see how well they can back-up this self-assured title…
Kicking things off with “Follow Me”, it’s already clear the production quality has improved, everything sounding that bit more polished. Tom Kavanagh’s vocals coarse, yet melodic, giving the song an edgier feel, despite its core sound owing to the heavier side of pop-rock. It’s a good start, before “Tell Me Something” bursts in almost immediately. It’s a much bolder number from the word go, with a real hook to it and further highlights the bands new found confidence.
Newest single; “I'm Not Leaving” is brilliantly conflicted, in the sense that it still manages to sound huge, whilst maintaining a somewhat subdued feel. It’s a passionate performance all round and delivers a massive sing-along chorus; the softer moments allowing Kavanagh’s vocals to shine through, over some subtle yet enticing guitar playing from Henry Selly and Josh Wreford, great stuff.
“Cold At The Bottom” and “Run Away”, continue to take advantage of utilising pop melodies in amongst the more rough around the edges feel of the bands playing, with the former even throwing in a sleek, albeit very brief guitar solo, until the album closes on “Look At Me Now”, a refined yet melodramatic piece that draws you in with its emotional feel, focussing more on the bands tender side, and its works really well. I Divide may lack in experience, having only been around for a handful of years, but they pay their dues on the road and on the live stage, and rightfully deserve your attention for the song writers they are. Can they keep it up though? With the industry they are in being so cut throat these days, with so many artists being disposable, it’ll be hard work to say the least, but with “Last One Standing”, they've made a solid statement that they are in this for the long haul, so it’ll be interesting to see how they develop for record number three. [7]
Download: “I'm Not Leaving”, “Look At Me Now”
"Last One Standing" is available on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/last-one-standing/id816417026
Kicking things off with “Follow Me”, it’s already clear the production quality has improved, everything sounding that bit more polished. Tom Kavanagh’s vocals coarse, yet melodic, giving the song an edgier feel, despite its core sound owing to the heavier side of pop-rock. It’s a good start, before “Tell Me Something” bursts in almost immediately. It’s a much bolder number from the word go, with a real hook to it and further highlights the bands new found confidence.
Newest single; “I'm Not Leaving” is brilliantly conflicted, in the sense that it still manages to sound huge, whilst maintaining a somewhat subdued feel. It’s a passionate performance all round and delivers a massive sing-along chorus; the softer moments allowing Kavanagh’s vocals to shine through, over some subtle yet enticing guitar playing from Henry Selly and Josh Wreford, great stuff.
“Cold At The Bottom” and “Run Away”, continue to take advantage of utilising pop melodies in amongst the more rough around the edges feel of the bands playing, with the former even throwing in a sleek, albeit very brief guitar solo, until the album closes on “Look At Me Now”, a refined yet melodramatic piece that draws you in with its emotional feel, focussing more on the bands tender side, and its works really well. I Divide may lack in experience, having only been around for a handful of years, but they pay their dues on the road and on the live stage, and rightfully deserve your attention for the song writers they are. Can they keep it up though? With the industry they are in being so cut throat these days, with so many artists being disposable, it’ll be hard work to say the least, but with “Last One Standing”, they've made a solid statement that they are in this for the long haul, so it’ll be interesting to see how they develop for record number three. [7]
Download: “I'm Not Leaving”, “Look At Me Now”
"Last One Standing" is available on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/last-one-standing/id816417026
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