Kane Fulton

Disappointment is an emotion we could all do without. We could also do without Kelly Osbourne, but that's an argument for another time. If only we all learnt not to expect anything of anyone, the world would constantly be one big pleasant surprise. Take for instance, going into Burger King for a meal. Nobody would be disappointed with the size of the Whopper burger, or the size of the fries or the drink. Not even the fat kid in the corner. This is because we would never expect anything less than the sheer minimum. Sounds depressing, no?

As was once stated by Bill Bailey, us English may crave disappointment, but when it comes to music it's not quite the same. With music lovers, when we hear something special, we pray that there is more of the same ilk. If every song on Junior Senior's debut was as good as 'Move Your Feet', it would officially be the best album ever. Do not contradict me on this one.

This is why it can be quite disappointing when a band like Bladbud produce a song so hard hitting yet so powerful and emotional, that when I eagerly hunt down their EP, I finds that the other two tracks are  revealed to be slightly bland and uninspiring. Read any review on Blackbud and you'll find a similar set of comparisons, usually comprising of Radiohead, Buckley, Travis and Hendrix. That said, these days it only really takes one memorable song, a dedication to good old fashioned touring, and the right promotional backing for a band to make the transition between indie mp3 blog and appearing on MTV 2's 'hot new ones'.

Heartbeat begins with the musical equivalent of a pair of mink gloves. There are volume pedals at work in the introduction when a single guitar of the most delicate, soft texture fades in, accompanied by a voice of equal warmth and comfort. "What would you give/to be woken by a kiss in the morning light" soothes frontman and guitarist Joe Taylor. The chorus punches in like a knife slicing into the film on a microwavable meal. The key element to the brilliance of the track is its simplicity. Taylor sings, "You make my heart beat/I'm falling at your feet/You make my heart beat/I fall down at your feet." The bass is functional throughout, and the drums keep up a consistent pitter-patter. At 3:15 everything good and passionate about the track is pulled together in a brief, Thom Yorke-esque haunting wail. A guitar solo follows suit, which isn't entirely dissimilar from one of John Frusciantes efforts off Californiacation.

Steal Away and Corner of the World are by no means bad songs, they just lack that special something, that emotional connection that made Heartbeat such a joy and pleasure to be involved with.

Rating:

6/10

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