Attack! Attack! are a band I have been hearing a lot about over the past few months, however, from listening to their album, it doesn't quite seem that they've been getting the recognition they so obviously deserve.
From the first beat of Honesty, and I must be honest here, (did you see what I did there?) I think I've actually put Panic! At the disco in my CD player as Neil Starr's vocals could so easily be confused with Brendon Urie's.
However, these guys don't have the same fairground-ride sound as those Panic! poppers, and even better, they don't sound anywhere near as corny or forced.
Anyway, as I'm writing this we've already moved onto You And Me and I'm wondering if the second track can live it to the foot-tapping, head shaking quality of the first, but incredibly, it only bloody well does!
You can't help but hum along to this little beauty and it's clear that the band have many pop-punk and new-wave influences swirling around in their musical heads and with the music industry having so many bands elbowing their way into this genre, it's a relief to finally hear a band who can actually cut the mustard.
The lead single from the album;This Is A Test starts with a bass heavy intro and i don't feel myself wanting to dance straight away, but only fifteen seconds in and I find myself feeling guilty for harbouring this initial thought as they dish out some anthemic chants and lyrics and once again I'm bopping around in my chair as though there is no one else in the office.
I have to admit that Too Bad Son is another song where I find myself wondering where I’ve heard this rhythm before, but it doesn't seem to matter anymore, because by this point the guys have established their right to use popular riffs because they don't sound like they are imitating another band, much more like rivalling them.
As with most good albums, the tempo is brought down in the middle thanks to From Now On which allows Neil to show off his vocals without interference; the offering from Mike Griffiths on drums and Ryan Day on guitar and backing vocals are simple and un-invasive and this lends itself to another beautiful song.
The second half of the album once again picks up the pace thanks to Say It To Me which is exactly what it says on the tin really; a lot of guitar noise and filthy drum beats interspersed with the whines of 'Say it to me' over and over again; it pains me to say this, but it's probably my least favourite song on the album, but I am only just saying that because I can't love them all!
They redeem themselves again on Lights Out though which is a lovely power-pop hit that I can just imagine them bouncing around on stage to in their skinny jeans and chequered shirts (ooh I shouldn't stereotype before I've even examined their wardrobe choices) Nevertheless, it's still a likeable pop song which will please fans of The Jonas Brothers no end!
Home Again afters a slightly more grown up sound from them, as they try not to 'over-play' the track and just sing their hearts out for what it is; a catch pop song that will drag millions of teenagers in stripes and neon to their gigs - at least they won't have to worry about establishing a fan base - they have all the elements their to win over girls' hearts - even if they are only about 15!
Finally, the aptly named ender Time Is Up doesn't disappoint in bring the album to a powerful close with back breaking drum beats and guitar hooks. Neil once again shows off his delicious vocals and I just find myself wanting to eat him all up before he disappears as the song (and cd) comes to a very abrupt end.
The only problem I have with this record is that on a few occasions it is quite difficult to hear the vocals over the dropping beats, I feel like I’m in a shower or music but the umbrella of vocals is being dragged around by some selfish wind machine.
It might seem as though this band is following a 'safe' formula when making this record, but for some reason, it just works. Many critics might say otherwise, but I'm not most critics; it's not about being the best for me, it is about being enjoyable and listenable. Fair enough it might not compete musically against some of the bigger releases at the moment, to me; that's what makes it so much better.
Skip To - Lights Out
Verdict - 5/5 For a band finding their feet in the modern music industry this is a valiant effort. Go out and buy it now! Well... when it comes out!
Attack Attack! is out on 3 November
FemaleFirst - Ruth Harrison