It’s almost impossible nowadays to listen to lively indie with wittily observational lyrics delivered in a northern accent without immediately invoking Arctic Monkeys. Ok, so The Words hail from Manchester, and their debut album, nine months in the recording after six years’ gestation is no mere emulation, but even so, it’s hard to resist comparisons in relation to tracks like the fiery ‘Siren’ and the jangly-yet-choppy ‘Head Over Heels’.
They may reference James and BRMC, but ‘Falling’ sounds more like The Farm’s ‘Groovy Train’ played at half speed than anything else. There’s also a fair number of out and out pop tunes, with the breezy ‘Under the Sun’ demonstrating Merseybeat leanings that belie their Mancunian roots. Still, ‘The Void’ broods and is geographically unplaceable. The fact it has a very 90s feel to it is another matter, but by no means a criticism.
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There are points to criticise, though. ‘Truth and Faith’ is too jangly to be rock, too rock to be indie, and too lacking in focus and consistency to be a really strong album. When they get their heads down and turn it up, as on anthemic lead single ‘Everybody’s With You’, they show a knack for hooks and choruses, but then the jaunty folk of ‘Demons’ is plain irritating. Still, credit where it’s due: there are enough decent tunes and enough spirit to lift this above average, and that’s definitely something.
The Words Online
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