Stick on Xfm. Right now. There’s probably either an advert for ‘Never Get Sick of the Sea’, the new release from the Attic Lights, or else it’s actually being played. They are the breakthrough Scottish artist of the, albeit brief, year so far. Of course, signing a million pound multi-album recording contract isn’t going to hamper your progress up the rungs of the fame ladder, but tonight at Tut’s was about far more than marketability – this was to see if there was substance amidst the new-found style.
Not many bands will play their most recognisable two records right from the get-go – to me, you run the risk of losing your audience amongst the rest of the new material.And for the being the most recent hits, both ‘Never Get Sick of the Sea’ and ‘God’ were met with moderate appreciation from a crowd who took a while to warm to their performers.
But there is no denying their togetherness. Musically adept, and with some of the most Angel-beckoningly sweet harmonies blokes with bollocks can possibly produce, they took proceedings by the scruff of the neck and injected 60’s soul spliced with 90’s Britpop verve and methodology, co-existing with some of Green Day’s earlier, care-free moments. It’s an intriguing mix, and the Beach Boys comparisons are obvious, if slightly lazy; vocally, yes, these songs wouldn’t look out of place on ‘Pet Sounds’, but it is definitely a modern slant on tried-and-tested ideas.
Vocal duties are shared primarily between Kev Sherry and Colin McArdle with able backup from Jamie Houston, and it’s testament to their talent that interchanges between harmonies were unnoticeable – it cannot be underestimated how absolutely note perfect these guys are. There is an interesting array of songs here too, and although there is little deviation in approach there is a sparkle that transcends many of their peers. Sometimes, just glance at a bands’ mannerisms and eccentricities and you understand their mass appeal – Attic Lights have that certain unquantifiable charm and charisma to match their charming and charismatic songs.
It will see them go far. These are songs that will be heard from every back garden on a warm summer’s day, because these are feel-good records by a band who, at this moment, are definitely feeling good.
//Donny