The recent slew of excellent Manchester bands has set an impressively high standard which, it could be argued, probably isn’t matched by any other city in the country right now. I won’t list the usual suspects, but pretty much every release this year has been a keeper. I guess eventually luck had to run out and sadly it’s Do Not Disturb that slightly let the side down. This three-track EP is competent enough, but I feel the band are badly let down by a singer who, while not terrible by any means, just has a really uncompromising style. Coming across like Morrissey at times, I feel there are points that sound bad, don’t work or just don’t fit. I’m sure James Gray can sing live, but I don’t feel this EP captures his talents too well at all.
‘Slugger’ is slightly above average but lacks a killer hook – the fade out at the end is horrible by the way – while ‘Song For Summer’ sounds a little Brand New circa-‘Your Favourite Weapon‘ but the vox just don’t sound right. Maybe I’m picky or maybe I’m just used to such high standards by Manc bands, but DND don’t cut the mustard for me. Musically they’re ok, but vocally it doesn’t float my boat too much. Sorry guys…
www.donotdisturbmusic.com
Paul