Album Review; Tribes–‘Baby’

Tribes
‘Baby’
Island

At the start of last year Tribes hit many music fan’s radar, with some great shows, an BBC Introducing Session, and a clutch of positive singles. So I guess, even with their first long player, there was a mighty expectation, that Tribes would confirm their standing as one of 2011 brightest new hopes. More importantly, in 2012 would they convince as a studio band? Given that there appeared to be no shortage in the songwriting or live showing, entertain many a tour with The Kooks, Kaiser Chiefs and in their own right; winning friends,, with short tight, indie-rock fuelled sets,with some aplomb. The only remaining question, was can Tribes pull it off over the course of the album, for some it did not matter. totally convinced by the quartets worth.

‘Whenever’ opens proceedings, another solid trademark song that leaves this indie fan, comfortable from the off.Before the summer anthem of 2011, ‘We Were Children’ still shines brightly in this 11 song debut by the Camden based band Their  album, Baby, was recorded at The Motor Museum in Liverpool. This is a very well crafted album, well produced, there are no adventures or clues here to point to a band trying to find ‘their sound’, far from it, assured performances track after track. I can merely just point you to further highlights, it is down to personal taste, but here goes. ‘at ‘The edge Of An English Field’ of course the former single, ‘Sappho’ still engages. Then ‘When My Day Comes’ opens with a great Clash style guitar intro, with Johnny Lloyd sings “I Used To Wake Up Every Night / Bad dreams By My Bed (or Shed) side”  and my enthusiasm for ‘Baby’ and the Camden Indie band is reignited. I just can’t go on, I would bore you with endless praise. Suffice, fir the moment, this is the first major release of 2012 in With Guitars books; a very solid debut album. 7.75/10
Steve Janes

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