When a band changes their sound, it really should be for the better. Switching it through progression or the need to move from something stale is good. Changing it because their new sound is the ‘in’ thing or choosing to go with current fads is bad and Regular Joe seem to of fallen hook line and sinker into the latter. Having chosen to slap on three older demo tracks from last year on the end of the new efforts it could prove to be their downfall as they shit all over the new material the band has recorded.
With the addition of an extra guitarist to mould the four piece to a five, the sound has become without doubt heavier in the year that separates the tracks birth but with the exception of the poetic ‘Second Second Chance’ there isn’t a lot here to shout about. ‘All to Obvious’ chunders without any malice’ while ‘Call it Wrong’ threatens improvement but it never materialises and feels drawn out come the end of the 3.37.
With those three showing a more heavy sound it is left to the bratish ‘What’s on your mind?’ to fly the flag for the demo as the lightning vocals and snappy lyrics stamp their mark over the demo. The upbeat ‘Dynamite’ also proves a poppy eye opener with some nice and tidy musical breakdowns sandwiched between a recurring bassline while ‘Over Again’ closes it with more driving melodies and catchy moments of fun.
Neither sets of tracks will win any awards for originality, but with the latter ‘older’ tracks pissing all over the new ones, maybe the band should revert back to the drawing board for the time being. While technically they have moved forward, the band just doesn’t have the appeal of old and weather it be conscious or not they have moved into territory that is already well trodden.
Jay
www.regularjoe.co.uk
