Customer Reviews

Flood the Tanks

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I hadn't heard of Iain Archer until I saw him perform live at the Ulster Hall Belfast November 22nd 2004. He was supporting ex-band mates Snow Patrol who were back home in Northern Ireland, playing their first ever gig at this overwhelmingly atmospheric venue. They had, at last, obtained the recognition that was inarguably long overdue and were about to prove beyond any doubt that their newfound adulation was richly deserved. The crowd were in a state of extreme excitement and anticipation when surrounded by various guitars, this nameless artist took to the stage and was about to make a lasting impression on at least one member of the sold out audience.

Iain Archer's unique, beautiful, melodic voice had me captivated immediately and although it takes a few listens to entirely grasp the significance of the lyrics of any artist I could tell there was a likelihood, they too could be special. I couldn't wait to get hold of his album and 'Flood the Tanks' certainly didn't disappoint. The poetic melancholy of tracks like 'That one you always do' and 'Not Yourself' combined with the meaningful lyrics and catchy melodies of songs such as 'Boy, Boy, Boy' and 'Summer Jets' are excellent examples of Iain Archer's undeniably brilliant musicianship and song writing talents.

Although there are just enough equally inspiring upbeat and uplifting tracks, the album overall, has a reflective and haunting edge to it. Archer has a spectacular skill in communicating human feeling and emotion (especially the darker side) and it would be difficult to listen to the album and not feel moved and inspired by that beautiful articulation. Right from the opening track 'Pressure Drop' to the hidden track 'Mirrorball Moon' at the very end, Archer's beautifully gentle vocals and heartfelt lyrics enchant. To quote Zane Lowe when he spoke of Jeff Buckley's 'Grace', "go into a room shut the door and let the music wash over you," the same applies to 'Flood the Tanks.' It is utter undiscovered brilliance and I hope this truly talented artist follows in Snow Patrol's footsteps and gets the success he unquestionably deserves.