Three tracks of unashamedly melodic pop songs sung in unashamedly Scottish accents. The comparisons to Weezer, especially on ‘Julianne’ are inevitable, but that shouldn’t be allowed to detract from this impressive offering from the Forres five-piece, none of whom are called Dan as it happens.
Opening track ‘Oh Emily,’ starts out like a hybrid of some Arcade Fire track (any /every one!) and U2’s ‘Without or Without You,’ but quickly develops into straight up mid-Atlantic collision between Teenage Fanclub and Weezer. It’s catchy as hell after a few listens and what the vocals lack when sung solo, they more than make up for in the harmonies - and the uniquely Scottish pronunciation of the word ‘down.’
‘Julianne,’ sees the glockenspiel (predominant in the previous track) substituted by more synths whilst the harmonies and hooks are as strong as ever.
Final track ‘I Can’t Dance,’ is not quite as instant as the other tracks – it is slower paced for a start and unfortunately, the vocals sound a bit strained.
Overall however, if this is the debut recording from Dan Against The World, then the World had best look out. The very future of the planet could well be in jeopardy if this band is ignored! (Well……. but they ARE good, though!)
//Colin Jackson