It’s always fascinating when, having heard only one song by a band, you are faced with a more complete array of their music. Was that first song representative? Can they back up the impact of that initial taste? Was there a reason that single was out there over perhaps one of their other songs?
Well, in the case of ALLEY the band, it is fair to say that “Song for a Diva” wasn’t that representative, but only because the five songs found on Telling Stories collectively show a band able to work in several different styles, not only that, but make their own. And by that, I mean be adventurous and eclectic, yet still sound cohesive and coordinated. Eclectic yet focused!
“Watching You Leave” kicks things off with a slice of accessible rock and roll woven with an almost pop accessibility, contagious with an understated sense of urgency, while “The Release (Now it’s over) errs more on the side of folk-rock, mixing acoustic lightness, shuffling beats, and a melodic bassline that underpins without dominating.
The aforementioned “Song for a Diva” finding it’s energy in a blend of sax and searing guitars, drifting between grace and groove effortlessly, while “La La Land” sees them plant one foot on the monitor raise one fist into the air (not easy if you are trying to weild a guitar) and kick out some purer rock and roll jams, although still done with their own signature sheen of sonic-serenity.
“Daytime Drinking” contains no small slice of pep, but is happy to shift and change through all manner of moods and time signatures… progressive pop-rock? Why not?
“Song for a Diva” was a good introduction to the band. Telling Stories is a great calling card, and based on this, I can’t wait to hear the next sonic chapter.
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