‘Seasons Change’ is the debut album from the Leeds based band CITY LIGHTS. Despite their home base, the band originally convened in Paris in 2011, and comprises Matt Dunwell on lead vocals and acoustic guitar, Sean Howey on drums and backing vocals, Sean’s brother Ashley Howey on bass. After some searching, Alex Humphreys was later drafted in on lead guitar.
The band have been rehearsing and gigging solidly since their formation and this has resulted in a well-crafted, tight debut. The album has ten tracks on it, all of which fall into the alt rock/indie rock category. In fact there have been comparisons with band such as Snow Patrol and Kings of Leon, and most reviews have given a positive reception.
Whilst there are literally dozens of bands around at the moment that are producing similar sounds, what makes City Of Lights stand out is their musical proficiency, and a set of lyrics which bely their youth.
Opening with ‘Was It All Worth It?’ the band shows their indie muscle. I caught certain nuances in the sound that did bring to mind Maximo Park’s earliest work. The lyrics here are clever, throwing out questions and observations on peoples’ attitudes and prejudices: - “Life, life is not a movie. Life is not a play/ It’s not for us to feed on others’ misery. Who are you to judge me or stand in my way?/ I know that I’m not perfect but who are you to say?/ Don’t point a finger coz there’s three pointing back/ If only we’d take a second just to reflect.”
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It's a bracing start and immediately grabs the listener. Following this is the rather exquisite ‘Did I Stutter?’, a brilliant kitchen sink drama which manages to deal effectively and sympathetically with relationship problems and domestic violence all at the same time: - “Did I stutter? Oh can you hear me loud and clear? But the words don’t quite come out, with your hand around my throat.” This is an alt rock track and one of the best on the album and comes across at time seething with frustration and despair.
Elsewhere, tracks like ‘Out Of Sight’ also show depth and maturity. Using keyboards, this is a type of alt ballad that punches above its weight. The lyrics again deal with the complexities of relationships, but this time from a subjective view: - “Out of sight but not out of mind. I’m callin’ you out, so show me a sign/ You’re shedding your wings just so I will smile/ But I don’t show it in my voice; no I don’t show it in my smile/ I’m torn between myself and what I want.”
Overall, 'Seasons Change' is a refreshing debut. Although there are countless other indie vessels charting similar waters, City Lights appear to be sailing a particularly seaworthy ship. Watch out for 'em on the horizon.
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