Album
The Sherlocks
Live For The Moment
August 18 2017 (Infectious Records)
6.5/10
Words: Richard Cobb
The Bolton upon Dearne band's debut album opens with ‘Will You Be There?’ and it's the guitar and drums that hit you immediately, along with Kiaran Crook's instantly recognisable voice, largely down to the fact he sounds very like Liam Fray. It’s hard not to feel sorry for the drums on this track as they’re taking an almighty battering for the duration. Very strong opener though, and it sounds as though it would be a triumphant t-shirt swirling and beer or flare throwing moment at their live shows.
‘Live For The Moment’, the band’s first single which was originally released way back in 2014 (along with being recently re-released), showcases them at their best and they pour all of their built-up energy and confidence into this memorable track. Around three quarters of the way through a lost piano line leads you down an unexpected path, before the band pitch in again with another controlled explosion of noise.
‘Escapade’ has a heavily distorted bass line intro, alongside a welcome addition of what sounds like a belligerent cow bell that’s rebelling against its birth sound. Early highlight of the album ‘Chasing Shadows’ is very colourful. If fairgrounds up and down the country didn’t insist on blaring out nauseating dance music in between a guy with a needlessly antagonizing voice that makes you want to throw up candyfloss on the Waltzers, this would act a wonderful alternative.
By the time ‘Blue’ rocks up, it’s all becoming a bit uncomfortably similar and I can’t help feeling that I’ve heard it all before. The line“Nothing’s changed / it’s all the same”, rather ironically stood out for me as I was typing this. Penultimate song ‘Motions’ fills me with fear at the start. It’s reminiscent of that time at a party when someone brings the dreaded acoustic guitar out at stupid o’clock in the morning and suddenly everyone simultaneously downs their drink and makes a run for it in the direction of the nearest door. It picks up though and evolves into a nice thoughtful and upbeat folk-infused song, with help from the marching band vibe keeping the song moving forward.
With last track ‘Candlelight’ there's a strong finish from the band and with the added string section at the end, it definitely has big ideas, which would make for a cracker of a set closer live. Without doubt, the peaks of this album are the snappy earlier numbers along with the well-crafted last two tracks. I hate to use the words “filler tracks” but there’s a few too many on here which detract from a strong five or six
That said, I’m sure diehard fans of guitar music will love this album. If this was 10 years ago, I would have no doubt played this album to death. If you’re looking for something fresh and exciting though, ‘Live For The Moment’ doesn’t really bring anything new to the guitar band table, a table which sadly many have long since vacated.
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