Resistance Is Futile…..
Here’s a run down of the tracks on the new CD, how they came into being and some views on them from the band:-
Overview
The album was recorded at Tom Tyson’s Music Farm between March 2006 and June 2007, and mastered (also at the Music Farm) between June and October 2007. It was expertly engineered and produced by Tom, who’s advice and guidance were crucial. Over 90% of the bass and drums were recorded in one take with no over-dubs or corrections, either due to luck or more likely the bands fabulously tight rhythm section. Although the band are a four piece they didn’t want to constrain the sound to three instruments and vocals, so in order to generate a big production, keyboards are used occasionally and on some songs up to seven guitars, together with all manner of percussion, and even sound effects. Every song was written by one or more members of the band and everything you hear is produced by the four guys, with the exception of additional guitar on Lawman by the legendary Albert Lee and the girl’s voice on Fade Away by Pete’s daughter, Becca. The album artwork was specified by Pete and designed by Jez Parish at JP Design and the CD’s manufactured through Torchmusic.co.uk (thanks to Sean Lynch).
A driving rock song that was transformed on three occasions when Robbo changed the tempo for the bridge (a master-stroke), Pete changed the emphasis on ‘dreamer’ in the chorus from down a note to up, and we changed the start to feature the two solo guitar riffs. Spot the reverse cymbal!
Are You Ready
This song changed its title from We’re Ready and added the acappella intro (for no other reason than Pete wanted to do one!). Check out the solo which features a swept arpeggio – one of the techniques Paul picks up from the ‘special magazines’ he gets.
This Lasts Forever
Paul’s song about his special lady. It has a different feel to most of the others, and is the first to highlight the bands determination to do some different rock styles. This song is almost exactly the same as the original demo that Paul did on his 4 track. The only difference is Pete singing, oh and bongo’s, congas, claves, bell trees, whistles, kazoos…you name it!
(Standing) On Top Of The World
Originally titled Top Of The World and changed to steer clear of the Carpenters! This is the first original recording that the band ever did. Robbo played the drums ‘off-the-cuff’ which shows what a class act he is. It’s about getting out of the grind, chilling out and watching everyone else. This song was played on the radio in early 2007 and is the bands first radio appearance.
Which Bridge To Cross
In common with many of the bands songs, this didn’t end up like it was originally written, but is all the better for it. The stepped harmonies in the bridge which lead to a driving solo are a real signature moment. The song features a lead break start, again ‘cause Pete wanted the band to do one!
Lawman
Opening with ghostly wind noises, a big drum and big riff this is the first ‘epic’ on the album. It features some great guitar fills from the legendary Albert Lee and one of Paul’s simplest yet most effective lead breaks in the middle. Again, Robbo transformed the bridge section with the building drum, bass and riff section. The song features seven guitars – two acoustics, two rhythm, a lead, a harmony, and Albert’s fills, and in addition Pete plays keyboards for the strings at the end.
Fade Away
This is the bands homage to heavy metal. A moody acoustic intro with spooky bass line, lead into a classic metal riff, with Robbo surprising even himself with some stellar metal drumming. The song is about lost youth and therefore appropriately features a child’s voice in the bridge section. Again Pete plays the keyboards for the strings in the bridge which end in a crescendo of riffs leading to a blistering Paul Nichol guitar solo. Unbelievably this was recorded in one take, where Paul could hear the backing but couldn’t hear what he was actually playing. If ever ‘awesome’ was an appropriate word, then it applies here!
Welcome To The World
The most basic song on the album, featuring one acoustic guitar and one vocal. It was recorded live in one take, no –overdubs or repeats. It was written in the same fashion. Paul had produced the basic melody and Pete wrote the lyrics in one go over about 10 minutes – easy when it comes from the heart! The progression of ‘person’ in the lyrics from mother, to father to couple to parents is subtly crafted.
You’re My Rock
This was the first song ever written by the band. Paul had a vision of the song structure and Pete wrote the lyrics about his special lady, Carol. Again keyboards give the string effect at the start (this time played by Paul) and the final addition of the bell tree finishes the extra touches. Dave lays down some great bass lines on the song that add nicely to the melody. The song features a simple but very effective lead break which forms a signature melody for the song, returned to at the end of the last solo.
Hard Hearted
Originally recorded as a lighter pop-rock song, it was re-recorded with a heavier riff for the album version. It was written about all those people we come across who are self obsessed. Perhaps the simplest song on the album.
Home’s Where The Heart Is
Written by Paul about his roots, this song features a great riff and two classic rock solos. Originally called My Home Town it also features a very different vocal performance with Pete singing in a low range and Paul harmonising all the way through on a separate track.
Take A Chance On Love
The final ‘epic’ on the album. This started out as an idea from Paul that just contained the starting acoustic section. When Pete and Dave heard it they both immediately thought it screamed out to be developed from there into an epic rock anthem. The end result is Zeppelinesque and, thanks to expert timing from Dave and Keith, builds in tempo gradually over the song to reach a thunderous conclusion. Paul’s solo is different again, displaying another level of versatility to that shown in Fade Away, but in its own way is every bit as good. This is proving to be a live favourite.
Summary
Overall it is fair to say that the band are very pleased with the outcome, and still somewhat surprised about what they’ve been able to produce.
NOT BAD FOR AMATEURS!
…You Will Be Entertained