Customer Reviews

Welcome to the North

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3 star:		(1)
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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.

Critics like to pick them apart since being compared to Led Zepplin, or the Next big british band such as Oasis...I loved thier first CD, Love this CD, and any true fans will know thier Unrealeased work....which somehow may be the best, look it up, find it if you can, you will not be dissapointed. I have seen them live twice, and what can I say what a performance, Robert Harvey's dance moves are nothing short of hilariously outstanding. This is a tottaly stellar second album, Welcome to the North Starts off hard, then slows down as the album goes on, but they bring it in this album, they are still young, and lets hope the best is yet to come of these young lads from Leeds

What can I say..i love this band! I really hope they start to get noticed in North America. They fully deserve it. Great musicians. Very powerful music. Pick up this CD!!!