A LEEDS band with rock guitars, screamed vocals and boundless energy? No, it’s not Kaiser Chiefs. Eagulls’ debut album does have those highlights in common with Ricky Wilson’s band, but they are a darker five piece altogether.
Echoes of The Cure and Joy Division can be heard throughout this debut album, especially on Hollow Visions, Tough Luck and Opaque - especially with the latter’s prominent bass riff. Elsewhere, album opener Nerve Endings and later track Possessed share have elements of Manic Street Preachers’ pre-Everything Must Go work.
It’s all strong, all very energetic, and an impressive debut, and while George Mitchell’s screamed vocals eventually grate a little, they fit the music – with pounding drums, frantic bass and screaming and wailing guitars - perfectly. While not exactly a downside, by bringing their influences so much to the forefront, Eagulls could have made a rod for their own back, and it will be interesting to see whether the follow-up will continue in the same vein, or if they will find a more unique sound.
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