The Living Daylights hail from Lincoln and play a brand of punk rock that harks back to the 4ft Fingers/early Short warning days – it’s brash, yet melodic, and has a very distinct British feel to it. Released on Fond of Life in the UK and Europe if you’re looking for ‘bigger’ comparisons you’re looking at the likes of Rise Against, Hot Water Music & The Bouncing Souls – all in their early days.
This album doesn’t always hit the spot, but when it does it is brash and bold and sounds highly impressive. ‘Maps’ and ‘Melancholy’ show the band’s melodic side. And they manage to have some pretty huge vocal hooks without toning down any of the music. The drums hit very hard and the guitar riffs are pretty raucous all the way through. Vocally this band are very impressive too, with the songs delivered in a throaty way with plenty of conviction. The vocal melodies in ‘Frustration and Releases’ are highly impressive indeed.
The Living Daylights are about as fashionable as a shellsuit and that could both hinder and benefit them. There aren’t too many UK bands doing this type of thing anymore and even less do it as well as TLD. But their mid 90s sound could alienate them from potential audiences obsessed with keys, synth and American accents. A good band, a solid release and well worthy of your time.