Glasgow - like many other cities - has been blessed with a rich musical history. Bands like The Jesus and Mary Chain and Glasvegas have opened up many directions for up-and coming bands to explore. The latest batch of hopefuls are The Trend who seem to have gone back 20 years to the Britpop era to find their sound. Something to Shout About is the name of their EP, and it begins as something to definitely shout about. 'Going Under' contains just about everything you'd expect from a rock song: a super catchy chorus, big guitar riffs and even some shoegazing. The riff is straight out of the repertoire of Miles Kane. Very 'Inahler'-esque and the song in many ways could be a metaphor for the thriving scene in Glasgow at this present time. All the elements fit together seamlessly, but the chorus is just so catchy and full of attitude, it's the glue that holds the song together.
Those Britpop influences are evident throughout this EP. Personally I find that irritating because the opener had a lot of promise. But tracks like 'Take Me Away' just sound like re-hashed versions of Supergrass b-sides. It's almost as if the band are hiding behind these influences and not expressing themselves fully, maybe that's the sound the band are going for and that's fine, but variety - especially on an EP - is something that's very important. The EP's closer 'Tonight' makes things a little rosier. It has quite a psychedelic/shoegaze intro which sees the band channelling their inner Ride. It just sounds like it builds up to nothing, at no point is there a clear chorus or crescendo. There are lots of little intricate guitar solo's weaved in, but it doesn't take the song anywhere, it just sounds like it's going round in circles.
It's clear that the band are a well rehearsed unit. The songs sonically sound great, they just lack a little spice and sound very safe. I think the EP is solid. Many people have and will take an interest, I would have just loved to hear a bit of experimentation.
Listen to Something to Shout About HERE
Follow @TheTrendGlasgow on Twitter.
Follow @TheTrendGlasgow on Twitter.
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