There’s nothing wrong with Leeds rock and rollers The Longshots, it’s just that after multiple listens I can’t fathom out exactly what’s right with them either. I remember seeing this band open the Carling Stage at the Leeds Festival a few years back and thought they were ok – and I get the same feelings about this record too. Six songs, all well performed and structured, but there’s nothing that stands out or makes me want to sit up and actually listen. It’s all nice enough background music – sort of a more rocking Hives – but I can’t imagine them being anyone’s favourite band, unless you’re a family member or a friend.
I sound like I’m being overly critical – and I guess I am. ‘In Denial’ and ‘Turn It Up’ are decent enough songs, but they lack a hook big enough to match many of their influences and peers. TLS have done very well in the Leeds area and it’s not too difficult to see why, but I don’t think they have what it takes to move on up in the music world. bands like Kaiser Chiefs made their name with a clutch of anthems – if The Longshots want to do the same they need to go back to the drawing board and write some better songs.
www.thelongshots.co.uk
Paul