As I started listening to this record, I did a little research to see what other people thought about This Et Al. Comparisons to the likes of Muse, Queens of the Stone Age and The Cure didn’t really help, seeing as though the Leeds-based mob don’t really sound like any of them, although I do see why they’re namechecked in a lazy-journalist kinda way. ‘Baby Machine’ has riffs, it has grooves and it’s quite good. It’s ambitious – especially vocally – and reminds me of …Trail of the Dead. Maybe a little My Bloody Valentine in places. It’s certainly not what you would call an ’emo’ record, although it’s certainly emotional and wears its heart on its sleeve. This Et Al are one of those bands that are difficult to pigeonhole, so all I can do is recommend you give them a listen – they’re well worth your time.
