While it's never a bad thing to support home grown talent (how else will we keep rock 'n' roll alive for years to come?) it's also worth remembering that other countries have their own scene's too, full of up-and-coming artists worth checking out who, you never know, may just be your new favourite band. If you remember some time ago, I posted a series of reviews for an Italian label by the name AREASONICA, showcasing the diversity of Italian alternative music culture aside from the obvious; LACUNA COIL...well...they've been back in touch and they've forwarded me another album to share. It's an album called "Time Machine" and it's by a group called SUPERCATS & THE BADGER. Yes...that is genuinely their name. Formed in Bologna, after vocalist Mike Nash returned from a life in New York...what makes these cats so super? Do they wear capes? Why a badger? So many questions...
We open up with "Melody" and it starts as a pretty simple chord sequence, vocally subdued, very little going on with it but when it kicks in it's a completely different animal altogther. It becomes this bold, bombastic indie-rock track layered with soaring soul-inspired vocals giving it a lot more depth and character, reminiscent in ways to MOBY and it's got a powerful chorus making for a strong introduction; a good start.
"Threads" on the other hand is a generally calmer track; slower in tempo and utilising a 70's inspired funk-vibe, with a touch of brass dotted here and there giving the track certain jazz/blues elements, yet retaining a core sound based in soft rock, it's a mixed bag of treats to say the least, before we hit album highlight "Somebody New". A delicately performed ballad, blissfully sweet showing there is yet more depth to these Italian's writing. The climatic electric guitar is slick and sensual and as a whole it's a great listen.
The funk influence is a strong factor throughout the album as a whole however, with the title track and "Morning Light" in particular benefitting from the genre fusion, it add's a little flavour to what is otherwise pretty straightforward indie-rock, closing track "Sky Over Sky" being another highlight, with it's solid groove and sultry bass, but elsewhere...the album is lacking. "Infinity", despite it's almost TAKE THAT inspired chorus is a generally flat song, while "The Passion" is tainted further by some awkward off-sounding saxophone, before "Distant Star" suffers from some truly awfully nasal, droning vocals...it's like a depressed cat with pharyngitis gargling it's own tears in a pitiful attempt to drown itself in its own sorrow quite literally...very disappointing.
So, what can be said about SC&TB? The weird name draws attention initially, that's a given, even though the album cover is as appealing as a colourblind game of Twister...they have shown a lot of potential and promise. There are moments on this album that are undeniably enjoyable, the genre mixing separates them from being typical of the indie band bracket, but they need to maybe here and there, really go for it. The album started off strong but became it's own cliche over the course of it's run time. A little more attitude, and these guys have the ability to write some top tunes. [5]
We open up with "Melody" and it starts as a pretty simple chord sequence, vocally subdued, very little going on with it but when it kicks in it's a completely different animal altogther. It becomes this bold, bombastic indie-rock track layered with soaring soul-inspired vocals giving it a lot more depth and character, reminiscent in ways to MOBY and it's got a powerful chorus making for a strong introduction; a good start.
"Threads" on the other hand is a generally calmer track; slower in tempo and utilising a 70's inspired funk-vibe, with a touch of brass dotted here and there giving the track certain jazz/blues elements, yet retaining a core sound based in soft rock, it's a mixed bag of treats to say the least, before we hit album highlight "Somebody New". A delicately performed ballad, blissfully sweet showing there is yet more depth to these Italian's writing. The climatic electric guitar is slick and sensual and as a whole it's a great listen.
The funk influence is a strong factor throughout the album as a whole however, with the title track and "Morning Light" in particular benefitting from the genre fusion, it add's a little flavour to what is otherwise pretty straightforward indie-rock, closing track "Sky Over Sky" being another highlight, with it's solid groove and sultry bass, but elsewhere...the album is lacking. "Infinity", despite it's almost TAKE THAT inspired chorus is a generally flat song, while "The Passion" is tainted further by some awkward off-sounding saxophone, before "Distant Star" suffers from some truly awfully nasal, droning vocals...it's like a depressed cat with pharyngitis gargling it's own tears in a pitiful attempt to drown itself in its own sorrow quite literally...very disappointing.
So, what can be said about SC&TB? The weird name draws attention initially, that's a given, even though the album cover is as appealing as a colourblind game of Twister...they have shown a lot of potential and promise. There are moments on this album that are undeniably enjoyable, the genre mixing separates them from being typical of the indie band bracket, but they need to maybe here and there, really go for it. The album started off strong but became it's own cliche over the course of it's run time. A little more attitude, and these guys have the ability to write some top tunes. [5]
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