Single Review Round-Up: Tell It To The Marines, Swound!, Green Day, Outraze and Crazy Arm
Tell It To The Marines - FireworksReleased on October 26th on All Aboard Records
As a sneak preview to their new 'Bridges' EP, Cambridge 5-piece set big expectations with 'Fireworks', a 3 and half minute gem of indie pop-punk goodness. A good blend of straining vocals from Timi Hyland and distant, crawling guitars leave a strong impression. Add to this a highly favourable chorus, as well as a strong b-side in 'Breakfast Club', which wouldn't sound out of place on a daytime Radio 1 show presented by some lame presenter. Although it must be noted that it is an old strong and does not fit in with bands new direction (seen on the a-side).
4/5
Swound! - Predator 3Released on November 2nd on Stressed Sumo.
The first impression I get of Swound!'s latest single, is one of band that must be fans of Weezer's debut album (the Blue album). A stripped down, upbeat rock sound led by a ropey bassline and a simple beat that you will end up tapping your foot allong with. Whilst Joe Staszkiewicz vocal delivery fits well and leaves you wanting to hear what else the band has else to offer.
3.5/5
Green Day - East Jesus NowhereReleased on October 19th
Just in time for their UK tour, stadium rockers (let's admit it, that's what Green Day are now) release their 3rd single from the grand and ambitious '21st Century Breakdown'. If you've heard the album, 'East Jesus Nowehere' is a throwaway single as on its own it sounds dull and predictable, whereas on the album it fits in with its theme and lyrical concept. Although it does its lyrics are thoughtful, it is something we have not something different we have heard from Green Day in recent years.
2/5
Outraze - Rebel BluesReleased on November 1st
Class this one under "For fans of Kasabian" as you would easily be fooled its critical praised Leicestershire 5-piece. Instead its Oxfordshire's Otraze 'Rebel Blues' has that brash, indie Rock 'n' Roll sound; fuzzy guitar riffs, confident vocal delivery from Andy White' and swaggering beat. It all sounds impressive but unfortunalty its been done before and better.
2/5
Crazy Arm - Henry Fabian FlynnReleased on November 2nd on Xtra Mile Recordings
With a folk-like edge and a hint of fast-paced punk rock comes Crazy Arm's latest single 'Henry Fabian Flynn'. The track's verse is calm before it erupts into a frenzy of punk rock angst, that is complimented by a vocal delivery that isn't over the top and brings some normality to the track.
B-Sides 'Roasting River' and 'Poverty and Spit' is more of the folky punk rock with a slight country tone, although the latter is a more angrier track that goes at a furious pace.
3/5
Sean Reid
