All or Nothing,
Everyday LifeFirst impressions can suck. I picked up this CD a while ago now after my superior sent it me, and from the off I was far from convinced. The covers gave that kind of impression of poor unsigned band who struggled to get this far and it’s all a bit of fun. I was being narrow minded and shallow, but alas this is a damn fine CD, bursting full of stop start melodies and showing they aren't afraid to dare to be different. Oh, they have a keyboardist as well... And it works quite beautifully.
The four piece hail from Bolton and have a sound that is not to distant from a little band called ‘At The Drive In’. Overactive comparisons aside they have put together thirteen tracks comprising of full throttle rock, some skate punk-esque melodies and even a superb little instrumental number. It bursts out of the blocks with the energetic 'Your Mistakes' showcasing
everything which the band are best at, stirring hooks and smooth as silk pace changes. One minor criticism though, and it pains me to say it, is noticeable from the off in the form of the vocals of front duo John and Ian. They often seem a little strained to the music and although it doesn't really deter from the overall package of Everyday Life, it does labour at times. Both vocals suit a more speedy track such as 'When you're gone a lot more' which is bursting with pace and passion.
'Down and out' leads you into a false sense of security somewhat as a cumbersome introduction leads into more customary territory with frenetic drumming and heartfelt lyrical moments, while the instrumental mentioned earlier, 'junctionthirteen' is exemplary, showing the band aren't afraid to venture into areas others may not touch. 'Nothing left to say' is slightly
disappointing and provides the first real 'filler' on the album, but thankfully the acoustic 'Look to me' turns the album in the correct direction in a silky moment of emotional heartbreak. 'Trouble' and title track 'All or nothing' prove slight disappointments, although the latter does show a darker more bitter side to the band which suits them well.
The quirky 'Balalaika' goes over my head but probably has some deep and meaningful side to it, and is a nice insert none the less. The layering of some sublime guitar play and pounding drums works well on 'About a girl' but 'Hold on' drags it down again a slight bit, while final track 'Kick me down' pretty much showcases everything about Everyday Life we have become familiar with.
Everyday Life have produced a fine debut album moving on after their 'Story so far' EP, which opened a few more peoples eyes to the quartet. Minor niggles such as vocals and some songs sounding a little laboured can be categorised as problems that can be overcome in time, but for now they have a solid base to march forward from.
Jay
