Wales is known as “the land of song”, with a rich history of hymns, poetry and music, thanks to choirs, the Eisteddfod , iconic performers such as SIR TOM JONES and DAME SHIRLEY BASSEY and of course, many a quality rock band. Names such as MANIC STREET PREACHERS, BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE, STEREOPHONICS, FEEDER (even LOSTPROPHETS, who are being mentioned on musical credit here alone) and more, have all emerged from this small yet passionate part of the UK, and have inspired many more in their wake. A lot of the time though, with the majority of Wales’ population being based in the south, around the capital and such, sometimes artists from further up the country find it harder to get noticed, however, MY FAVOURITE RUNNER UP, who come from Aberystwyth, slap bang in the middle of the west coast, stick out like a sore thumb with their easy on the ears pop punk hooks and melodies, and want all the attention they deserve. With their début album “Crossroads” recently released, are they on the path to success?
The album starts off with “Light A Fire”, an appropriate way to get the ball rolling, with an up-beat punk based feel, rich in pop infused melodic rock, It’s a fun energetic number and sets the bar high early on. “Never Again” has a slight GOOD CHARLOTTE vibe to it, oozing emotion from its every pore, despite being a light radio rock ballad, it carries with it a feeling of sadness, an ideal song for one of those American Rom-Com soundtracks, and I mean no disrespect in saying that.
“No More Fight” is quite the contradiction, being one of the albums edgier numbers from the word go. The song carrying more weight behind it, more focus on attitude and is quite the sucker punch. A great rock track and an album highlight. The title track itself returning to a soft rock ballad effort, vocalist Chris Evans telling a story as much as he’s singing a song, it’s from the heart here.
The rest of the album keeps up with the usual pop-punk box ticking, with songs such as “Storytelling”, “Scars” and closing track “Home” all a fine mixture of tuneful -happiness, like a Summers day on CD if you will, some genuinely lovely songs to listen to here. Crossroads as a title may suggest a hint of being unsure, or trepidation, but rest assured this is no dead end road, and whatever direction they choose is bound to lead this 5-piece to success in some way, shape or form. They won’t be turning back now that’s for sure. [7]
Download: "Light A Fire", "No More Fight", "Storytelling"
"Crossroads" is available on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/crossroads/id799590368
My Favourite Runner Up on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myfavouriterunnerup
The album starts off with “Light A Fire”, an appropriate way to get the ball rolling, with an up-beat punk based feel, rich in pop infused melodic rock, It’s a fun energetic number and sets the bar high early on. “Never Again” has a slight GOOD CHARLOTTE vibe to it, oozing emotion from its every pore, despite being a light radio rock ballad, it carries with it a feeling of sadness, an ideal song for one of those American Rom-Com soundtracks, and I mean no disrespect in saying that.
“No More Fight” is quite the contradiction, being one of the albums edgier numbers from the word go. The song carrying more weight behind it, more focus on attitude and is quite the sucker punch. A great rock track and an album highlight. The title track itself returning to a soft rock ballad effort, vocalist Chris Evans telling a story as much as he’s singing a song, it’s from the heart here.
The rest of the album keeps up with the usual pop-punk box ticking, with songs such as “Storytelling”, “Scars” and closing track “Home” all a fine mixture of tuneful -happiness, like a Summers day on CD if you will, some genuinely lovely songs to listen to here. Crossroads as a title may suggest a hint of being unsure, or trepidation, but rest assured this is no dead end road, and whatever direction they choose is bound to lead this 5-piece to success in some way, shape or form. They won’t be turning back now that’s for sure. [7]
Download: "Light A Fire", "No More Fight", "Storytelling"
"Crossroads" is available on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/crossroads/id799590368
My Favourite Runner Up on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myfavouriterunnerup
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