Single Review Round-Up: Straight Lines, Spectrum 7, The Answer and New Rhodes

Our latest Single Review Round-Up includes new releases from Straight Lines, Spectrum 7, The Answer and New Rhodes.

Straight Lines - Versus The Allegiance
Released December 7th on Xtra Mile Recordings

After supporting fellow Welsh bands Attack! Attack!, The Automatic and Kids In Glass House; Straight Lines release their debut single 'Versus The Allegiance' a scrappy, energetic number that combines elements of their former tour mates well. Add to this a hooky chorus and things are looking promising for this four-piece.

2 of the 3 b-sides ('All My Friends Have Joined The Army' and 'Visions') cleverly show the bands acoustic side, as they are able present laid back indie rock songs. Whilst the other b-side 'When Is Doubt' is more of upbeat style the a-side shows.

The bands debut album 'Persistance In This Game' might be worth checking out, when it is released early next year.

3.5/5

Spectrum 7 - Serafin
Released on November 30th on Xtra Mile Recordings

Guildford's electro-rock 5-piece, Spectrum 7 release the latest single from 'So Silent The Night'. It is a blend of mainstream rock guitars and hooks with subtle electronic elements. Whilst on face value it may be one to class under 'sounds like Enter Shikari', if you listen beyond you release the band has a sound is able to expand, which hints at a possible breakthrough for the band.

3/5

The Answer - Comfort Zone
Released on November 30th

Northern Irish 4-piece The Answer return with a middle of the road, dull rock power ballad. It's tempo never seems to take off, as the predictable structure with the predictable sing-a-long closing chorus and soaring guitar solo, bores the listener for 4 minutes.

1/5

New Rhodes - Quando Quando Quando
Released on November 30th on Salty Cat Records

Like most charity singles, this is a cover of Englebert Humperdink song. Now if you're like me and little to no knowledge of Humperdink is, than this will surprise you. The bands subtle indie sound is dominated by a jazzy latino number, that overall is a bit odd yet it somehow works. Thankfully b-sides 'The Bells Of St John' and 'Someone Else' bring a bit of normality to proceedings, with the latter showing the bands true indie rock sound, that will more than likely win over a few NME-loving fans.

3/5

Sean Reid