Losing Blood Gaining Confidence,
No StandardsNow this is very good indeed. What is it with Manchester bands right now anyway? Five good ones come along at once, with each one seemingly raising the bar as they go. No Standards mix several different styles on this EP - throwing in obvious NOFX/Fat Wreck influences to more rock-related stuff. Maybe even a little Propagandhi thrown in for good measure. One thing I can say for sure though is that these boys are tight - tighter than an emo kid's sprayed on jeans. 'Losing Blood Gaining Confidence' is five songs of fast and furious music that's tighter than a gnats arse. Seriously impressive stuff.
The EP's title-track stands out like a a pair of chequered trousers at a My Chemical Romance show - it's utterly brilliant with a very catchy chorus. It's something the band seem to be able to do at will. The American-tinged vocals help 'Marilyn No II' rather than hinder it, while 'Subtle Blows' is mighty fine. Fine like Ashlee Simpson, only a bit more authentically punk rock and not so manufactured. But still really enjoyable at the same time. I'm wittering on, but that's only because I really, really like this band a lot. With a bit of a push they could easily tear up venues across the country and match the likes of Fastlane pound for pound.
www.nostandards.net
Paul
