Welcome to the North

by

The Music

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What can I say? I have been following this band since their first album "The Music" and was quickly drawn into their heavy riff driven dance rock. I simply loved their first album and patiently awaited this follow up.

The Music combine so many things from the great classic rock bands i.e.; Led Zep, U2, Jane's Addiction and wraps them all up with some funky drums, amazing vocals, thumping bass lines and smoking riffs. All so exquisitely layered together that it is simply pleasure for your ears.

When you listen to the band, it harkens back to the days when rock music was about having a good time, but it by no means sounds dated. There is no "Teenage Angst" to be had here. Just straightforward Rock that moves your body and soul.

As good as the first album was to me, WTTN is a much deeper album. Though, both albums will be classics one day in my opinion. Especially as more people get exposed to the band.

There is a little less of the "techno rock" on this album as compared to the first, but the song writing is much more mature and cohesive on WTTN. If they were able to grow so much from their first as compared to this one, then I cannot wait for their next installment. Remember, these guys are barely 20 years old.

I am not sure if American radio is ready for this band as I think they are not always 100% rock and stations might have a hard time fitting them into their format. "Freedom Fighters", "Cessation" (with its Zep like breakdowns), and "I need Love" are all rock jams. "Bleed from Within" reminds me of old school U2. But it is all so fresh to the ears.

Songs like "Breakin", "Guide" are guitar driven and they are hard enough for Rock radio, but catchy enough for Pop radio as well.

"Into the Night" is probably the most "POP" song on the album and could be the break up song of the year. It could easily be the song that really crosses the band over to multi formats. Though it is not my favorite song on the album (that changes every day) it is a little piece of perfection that Robert Harvey and the band pull off flawlessly.

As with most good/great albums, you may not be blown away by your first taste of "The Music". Keep that in mind and give the album a few spins before making a final decision. I am sure that the bands style will burn into your brain in no time.

If you are already a fan of "The Music" the above applies to you as well. This album is a much more accessible version of the first album. While it may not be as rough around the edges as the first, WTTN is truly a great sophomore album by a band that has an extremely bright future ahead of them.

I hope you enjoy this album as much as I have and by all means, if you have the opportunity to see them live, jump on it.

Okay, they have what may be the most boring name in all of rock-dom. But the Music do better in their sophomore album than in their self-titled debut, tightening up their music and losing the Led Zepplin-wannabe sound in favor of more dancerock. "Welcome to the North" is a bombastic rocker with heart.

"Where I'm from/Is not who, who I am," is the rather generic opener to the title track, a roaring rocker that blossoms from a slow riff. Well, it's not really about the songwriting -- it's actually about how it's sung. Lead singer Robert Harvey really stretches his voice as he shouts "Welcome to the NOOORTTH!", sounding as if he's gesturing at a panoramic view of north Britain. Instead of the jaded mumbles of many alt-rockers now, Harvey throws his heart, soul, and vocal chords into each song.

Their catchy brand of rock goes heavy on the electric guitars, grinding bass and smashin' percussion -- at times you can hear bands like Led Zeppelin, New Order and Rush mixed in there, but fortunately not so heavily that it feels derivative. A particular bonus is the rippling guitar in "Into The Night" -- that's what makes a good band.

They keep the sound catchy, but stray into ballads once or twice -- although only the flowing, exquisite "Fight the Feeling" could be strictly described as a ballad. What's more, bad singer could not depend on the music to cover his flaws in the ballads -- and Harvey proves that he's very good.

The Music do pretty well in their sophomore album -- their gusto keep them from sounding generic or cliched. They have the guts, the youth and the energy -- now all they need is the polish to go with it. Some of their riffs and basslines can be repetitive, and their songwriting definitely needs a boost up. Yes, the songs are catchy, but they're also very generic.

This fiery young band has the excellent lead singer and good musicianship that it needs to be huge -- all they need is some polish-ups, and a songwriter to match their guitar playing.