I’ve had this record for some time but for some reason or another I’ve neglected it. The Go Progress come across like a more melodic, and less frentic, The Next Autumn Soundtrack. Vocally especially I feel there are comparisons with Sammie TNAS, even if the music tends to take on more conventional means. ‘#21’ is a three tracker, probably recorded in a bedroom or on a small budget. The production is rough, to say the least, but despite that minus point there is enough on offer here to really impress.
Opener ‘Sticks and Poems’ is the most upbeat song, with the vocals coming across a bit like latter day Idlewild. I’m sure someone will throw in comparisons to bands like The Smiths too, even if that is perhaps a little too heady at this stage. Even so, there is so much potential on offer here it’s impossible to ignore. ‘Lessons In Escapism’ starts off with a cool guitar riff, all twee and lo-fi, building up into the rather impressive vocals. But by the time the chorus kicks in, there’s something altogether more impressive. With some fantastic vocal harmonies and intracite guitar licks, The Go Progress have created a song which impresses with it’s simple complexities. Go Progress also use a wide variety of instruments, with keys in the last song and an interesting xylophone intro to the mellow ‘Home’. The gorgeous melodies prove that over the course of three songs, here is a band that are something really special.
The Go Progress show bucketloads of potential with this release and a properly produced recording will be something I won’t neglect. The only minus point is the rough production, but that still doesn’t detract from the brilliance on offer. Expect these boys to produce something special and be far more known this summer.
www.goprogress.co.uk
Paul