Beady Eye – Different Gear Still Speeding (Dangerbird)

It’s been a looooong time since I’ve heard anything by Oasis. I confess that that my utter disgust and disappointment with the British superstars’ third album Be Here Now put me off the group for good, probably unfairly. But my memories of the band’s first pair of records were sweet enough to peak my curiosity about Beady Eye, the Noel Gallagher-deprived second act in the Oasis saga. Could Liam Gallagher, Andy Bell, Gem Archer and Chris Sharrock (the latter three of whom weren’t in the band the last time I heard them) make it without their leader and primary songwriter?

Oh, hell yes. I can’t say Different Gear Still Speeding picks up where Oasis left off on its acclaimed final LP Dig Out Your Soul, since I’ve no idea what that record sounds like. But it definitely favors the old firm’s best features, with lots of guitars, aggressive vocals and big, fat hooks. Liam’s vocal charisma is in full force here – his voice may be huskier now, but it’s just as tuneful and sneering as he’s ever been. Bell and Archer back him with a tapestry of guitars that rock, roll or ramble as required. But the real story is, as it always is with good records, the tunes. “Millionaire,” “Three Ring Circus” and “Beatles and Stones” are the kind of irresistible rockers at which these musicians have always excelled. “The Beat Goes On,” “Wigwam” and the gorgeous “Kill For a Dream” (which could be interpreted as a olive branch to Noel…or not) work the lighter-waving anthem mojo without a hint of self-consciousness. The folky ballad “For Anyone” is lovelier than the populist sentiments that drive it, while the piano-driven pop song “Bring the Light” is so catchy it should be sold as fishing line.

Throughout the record Liam and the guys sound completely confident in their abilities without being arrogant or even showy about it. This is the sound of a band worried less about having to prove themselves as Oasis Mk. II and more about simply making a good record with cracking tunes. With Different Gear Still Speeding, Beady Eye has done that with almost ridiculous ease.

http://www.beadyeyemusic.com
http://www.dangerbirdrecords.com