Boys In A Band

With production from Sigur Rós / Cocteau Twins album maestro Ken Thomas, you might expect Boys In A Band’s first record to sound a little slushy – not a bit of it. The Faroese five-piece’s debut is bubbling over with energy, a refreshing lack of trend-watching and some very decent song writing, all slightly reminiscent of a more modest album by The Killers. The second and third tracks, the excellent ‘Beyond Communication’ and ‘Secrets to Conceal’, are fairly representative of Black Diamond Train. Both blend speedy guitar rhythms with nicely-elasticised organ and synth backing and frenetic (but perfectly precise) vocals to make music with just the right balance between fidelity and emotion that really does bring to mind the ‘Cowboy Rock’ sound they claim as their own. ‘Before The Flood’ and the title track are also highly enjoyable and compelling in their use of lyrics and fast-paced instrumental work. All in all, a very assured début.

THE VERDICT Impressive album from the boys from Gøta, with just the right balance of new vs. old. listen & buy www.myspace.com/ boysinaband