Kane Fulton

The Landaus are always the butt end of a 'will they/won't they?' discussion. Are they going to, 'make it?', or will they go on forever being kings of the local scene? They're young, easily marketable and good looking (except for Danny). Many regard these young lads as one of the best, if not the best indie rock band in Hull. Unfortunately, this CD only half reflects that, but read on.

To be fair, I'm reviewing this demo a little late on in the day, and if I had reviewed it early last year, my opinion would likely be different. The songs on offer here a now getting on a bit old. That said, they are ageing nicely. Two of the songs, 'Ladykiller' and 'Sweet But True', are considered the band 'classics', they are the most well known songs, but not necessarily the best.

'Ladykiller' sounds typical of The Landaus, a well-honed blending of harmonised pop vocals, and twangy, clean guitars. 'Sweet But True' carries on the trend, and is the closest The Landaus come to indie pop perfection. One qualm I have about this version of Sweet But True is that Danny's guitar solo shouldn't be clean, as it doesn't have as much impact. Although the production is far more crisp this time around, it feels like some of the 'rock' element is sometimes lost a little bit. Then again I'm just a shit for liking lot's of distortion. Rawk!

'Waste Of Time' is a more recent song, a melodic, perhaps almost semi-epic pop song (if such a feat can be achieved). Danny's interjecting vocals crop up now and then, providing some nice vocal harmonies, especially on the chorus, 'Set aside a piece of mind/To find the time where I can see that/I'm no longer feeling stronger/Every day I wake up somewhere new.' With, 'Sitting In My Rocking Chair', I'm not sure what the band were trying to achieve. It almost completely detaches itself from the other songs, featuring a Buddy-Holly style 12-bar blues chord progression. It's a bit cheesy, it's a bit hillbilly, and in true barn dance hick-fashion, it has a wonderful sing along chorus.

Now all the lads need to do is get back in the studio, rock things up a little bit to reflect their live sound, and record some new songs.

'The Landaus, EP3'

- Behind The Scenes

- Hero Turtles Vs Power Rangers

- Two Cans

- Benefit Fraud

Do it, or I'll rip your balls off.

Rating:

8/10

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