By Hook or By Crook – compilation album
he somewhat eclectic mix that can be found on the new album‘By Hook Or By Crook’ is a showcase of Leeds based talent due for release on 12thNovember. To launch the album most of the bands will be preforming live at Oporto in Leeds on 11th November. So what’s on it then? I hear you ask, take a gander below for a brief rundown of what this album is all about:
T.O.Y.S –When I Was A T.O.Y
This is a grunge electro soundclash with emo style lyrics. 7/10
The World Service – Katherine
An indie tune about a girl who’s a little wild and a little troubled but as the song says; “It’s not your fault you can’t be who they want.” 7.5/10
The Wind Up Birds – Two Ambulance Day
A strange bland of elecrto funk rock with punk vocals. 6.5/10
The Seven Inches – A Letter
A fusion of indie and post rock that manages to turn what should be some pretty upbeat and positive lyrics into a dirge. 5/10
Men Only –Summer Girls
A glimpse into the softer side of punk with a song all about girls and boys who obviously fancy each other but never do anything about it. 8/10
Racket Ball –When They Walked In (live)
Deadpan vocals over electro funk synthesised instruments and I think I even heard the dulcet tones of Steve Coogan in the intro. 8/10
The Birthday Kiss – Choking
This is a classic 80’s style electro rock anthem and is the sort of thing Duran Duran would have made if they had a female vocalist only it’s better than that. Probably one of the best songs on the album. 8.5/10
The French Defence – Comedy
An acoustic number with some really heartfelt lyrics backed by soft drum beats. 7.5/10
Loqui – We Drown On Dry Land
The instruments are pure rock, the vocals are a bit like The Streets making this more of a speech with music than a song but it really does work. 8.5/10
Downdime – In Space
Post rock with a touch of indie. 6/10
This Many Boyfriends – Young Lovers Go Pop (original demo)
Punk pop high tempo with vocals reminiscent of madchester days. 8/10
Post war Glamour Girls – Ghost in The Tape Recorder
This is a mournful end to the album with haunting and sorrowful vocals backed by muted instrumentals. 8/10
Overall not a bad album, there are a couple of star songs on there and few no so good ones but that’s sort of what you expect from a compilation album. Final score: 7.5/10
Helen Todner