Album Review
A marching drum beat kicks off the album with the track “Who I Am” from Hereford band Pandoras shadow The rock/alternative band of 4 have been featured on BBC Introducing, having had several tracks played on air by Andrew Marston. This is the opening track of album “7 Hurts” which was released in October last year, and the rhythmic drumming intro is joined by a fierce roaring guitar, before the gentle voice of singer Kelly G joins the toe-tapping musical party. Kelly tells an empowering story of knowing exactly who she is, doesn’t need a man telling her what to be, especially a man who takes on 1000 guises himself. Kelly ramps up the vocal charm as the powerful chorus hits, and the band showcase their incredible rock presence following the second run through of the chorus. Silky smooth guitar riffs steam through over the banging drums.
A song about independence. A song about being yourself. “Friends like these” has a delicate guitar intro, but soon ramps up the pace to deliver a piercing message about gossips and backstabbers. A virtual middle finger up to a so called friend wrapped up in an enjoyable burst of energy and power. The next track “Come with me” is much softer lyric wise, but a catchy guitar intro with softly tapping drums takes us into a more subtle vocal encouraging the listener to follow without question into a world unknown. A strong, anthemic track which is a musical hook with its poetic lyrics and seriously impressive guitar solos nearing the end of the track. “Righteous” is a chance for the vocalist to show off her range as she rises in power and strength as each verse reaches its conclusion, which goes hand in hand with the message being put out from the song. The track is over 8 minutes long, but with the ever changing pace, it’s impossible to lose interest, especially in the middle section when the vocals fall away for the “musical interlude” , a moment of perfect rock. You need to listen to this one, words alone can not give it the credit it deserves.
Title track “7 hurts” is the essential break up track on an album which takes on a journey through its songs. Despite the upbeat feel of this track, the lyrics reflect a different mood, a bitterness. A sting in the tail performed over a belter of a backing track. “Solo” inevitably follows the break up song, another soft rock ballad to embrace the delicate situation. Gritty vocals take to the stand to deliver a statement of “because of you, I’m a better me”. Final track “Edge of the World” is being released as a charity single with all proceeds going to uprawr , mental health. I feel this is a song of uncertainty, not knowing where to go from here. Most definitely something we’ve probably all felt in the last few weeks in our current circumstances. Again, another song with an upbeat feel but takes a plunge midway, a step into the unknown. And an abrupt finish to end it all. A band that offers up the most impressive instrumentals that I’ve heard in a long while, with it whining guitars, classic rock vibes and a vocal range that can float like a butterfly and yet sting like a bee to deliver its sharp point.
Title track “7 hurts” is the essential break up track on an album which takes on a journey through its songs. Despite the upbeat feel of this track, the lyrics reflect a different mood, a bitterness. A sting in the tail performed over a belter of a backing track. “Solo” inevitably follows the break up song, another soft rock ballad to embrace the delicate situation. Gritty vocals take to the stand to deliver a statement of “because of you, I’m a better me”. Final track “Edge of the World” is being released as a charity single with all proceeds going to uprawr , mental health. I feel this is a song of uncertainty, not knowing where to go from here. Most definitely something we’ve probably all felt in the last few weeks in our current circumstances. Again, another song with an upbeat feel but takes a plunge midway, a step into the unknown. And an abrupt finish to end it all. A band that offers up the most impressive instrumentals that I’ve heard in a long while, with it whining guitars, classic rock vibes and a vocal range that can float like a butterfly and yet sting like a bee to deliver its sharp point.
The music ebbs and flows with the words and meaning of the lyrics. With vibes of Paramore and early No Doubt, and a hint of indie band “Garbage” thrown in for good measure, and a subtle blend of Evanescence, this was a new sound I enjoyed listening too.
By Kate Ford