If you remember the Short Warning of about two years ago you'll be pretty damn shocked when you hear the 2005/6 version. From a band that sounded like it had a tonne of potential but hadn't quite realised it, they've come back with a CD that is as promising a UK pop-punk CD since the Fastlane album. Everything about these five songs is better than anything the boys have done before - the production is slick, Carl's vocals sound better than ever and the structures are a lot more professional. To be honest, it almost sounds like a different band.
'Working Title (For The Last Time)' opens up and immediately makes an impact - the vocals kick in early and with a catchy riff and some well placed backing vocals, at two-and-a-half minutes it refuses to outstay its welcome. It's a trick Short Warning have learnt well, as all of the songs here are around three minutes and bounce their way into huge chorus after huge chorus. A new version of 'Wake Up To The Fear' (which until I heard this record was by far their best song) is arguably the weakest here - still a belter, but it's been slowed down a touch and I think I preferred the more urgent version.
'You Can Say' kicks and spits from the speakers like a mule and it's clear the addition of a second guitarist has helped the band no end. And just if you think those three songs are flukes, 'No Escape' and the brilliant 'Inbetween The Lines' come along and prove that all five songs are extremely impressive. The latter really reminds me of an American skate-punk band, but I can't put my finger on which one. There's a bit about 2mins and 25 seconds in that really, really reminds me of someone and I can't place it - answers on a postcard please! Either way you look at it this is a massive improvement on anything else the band have done. If they can raise their live game to this standard then they'll rapidly shoot themselves up the leagues. I quite hoped this would be good, but I didn't expect it to be this good. Bravo boys...
www.myspace.com/shortwarning
Paul
