When I saw Leeds-based Beasts had members of Between Lines in them, I have to admit my expectation levels dropped. Between Lines are a band I recently gave 1.5/5 to and described their vocalist as sounding like Cookie Monster. The same vocalist does sing in Beasts too, although his “gruff” vocal style sounds more pallatable here than it did previously – although only just. Gruff vocals are all well and good when a person can sing – just like at Hot Water Music, for instance – but when a vocalist struggles it’s a different kettle of fish.
The four Beasts songs on this release are better recorded and more fearsome than the tracks recorded by Between Lines. There’s more bite and balls, although I will admit that even though the vocals are better, they still don’t sound great. ‘The Moody Teenager’, for instance, just sounds lazy and is arguably the worst track here. The other three, mind, are much better. The guitars and drums bite and kick and the melodies are better presented. Better than Between Lines, but I’m still not wholly convinced…
www.myspace.com/squidbeast
paul