Customer Reviews

Animals

5 star:		(5)
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or "should" be on the verge of fame. From the first track it's amazing musicianship on all parts of the frequency spectrum. Obviosuly Tim Collis's guitar playing which is just as amazing to watch as it is to hear is the first thing that draws most people to the band but every member takes the spotlight at sometime. Stuart Smith's vocal kick in at the end of the first measure of Pig making it an ideal first track and throughout the album we hear his beautiful, yet modestly soothing singing that tells tales of relationships, good, bad and everything in between. Being a Math Rock band means there are frequent time signature changes. Chris Collis' drumming pulls it off so gracefully it seems like it's too easy. With many Math Rock or Mathcore band's the time signature changes seem very erratic and punctuated, which isn't a bad thing but, idk, Chris Collis just does it better. Throughout the album also the bass peaks out it's head from behind the amazing lead guitar and often takes precedence particularly on more chord driven riffs.

I believe the greatest achievement of this album is that soothing, smooth chill-out music doesn't have to sound like Jason Mraz. It can be complex and have heavy drumming and still be relaxing.

Great news is that the band recently did their first show in America, in New York. Soon, maybe they'll do few more states. Perhaps Texas?? wink wink. If anyone from TTNG is reading this I have several friends that would definitely go see you guys play and then I'm sure there are several people I don't know that would definitely go

For over a year I've kept returning again and again to this album, and each time I listen This Town Needs Guns' songs they still feel fresh and exciting. The music is beautiful yet complex, a la Owls or American Football, but with better (read: in tune) vocals and more memorable melodies. The synergy between brothers Tim (guitar) and Chris (drums) Collis is palpable throughout, and the vocals of Stuart Smith manage to transform what would otherwise be overwhelming slabs of cerebral math rock into melodically-rich, even catchy, love songs. TTNG certainly have a sound--one that can be most directly traced back to the late '90s work of the Kinsella brothers--but I wouldn't say that they are entirely derivative; TTNG prefer brisker tempos and hammered-on guitar to the languid post-emo of the aforementioned Kinsellas' work. I'm looking forward to TTNG's future offerings; I hope to hear their sound develop to include a broader range of influences.

An incredible CD from This Town Needs Guns. Musically challenging while maintaining a soft and tender tone. A must-have for anyone who isn't deaf.

Expertly crafted musicianship. right on par with other indie/math rock band like Minus the Bear. This band is simply amazing.

This album is excellent. I recommend it for fans of American Football, or mid to late 90's indie rock in general. These guys are perhaps more musically proficient. The guitar noodling in particular is very intriguing, and it's what you'll notice first. The lyrics are all sensitive guy relationship stuff.

"I've been watching you
and memorised
every last line of your profile.
Every shade of your complexion,
every tone of your skin."

I would hope the next thing they put out won't have so much obsessive teenage type material, and offer more adult, difficult subject matter to adequately match their complex playing skills. The only other downside is that possibly it runs a little long. I think the last two "bonus" tracks are essential, but maybe two of the other songs should have been cut - to leave you wanting more. I'm definitely looking forward to more from this band in the near future.