Newly signed to Platform Songs Publishing, Dead Sea Souls have quickly become one of the most exciting bands on the Scottish gig scene, having played across the country delivering an energetic and anthemic performance. The band have released their debut album ‘We Were Always Electric’, on Big Rock Candy Records.
Descending from West Lothian, you could compare their vocal sounds to that of Twin Atlantic, and it’s not hard to hear an influence from The Red Hot Chilli Peppers, with the upbeat guitar a prominent feature of the DSS sound. This mixed with their unique spin, makes for some melodious high-powered tunes.
“We Were Always Electric” is, undeniably, a stellar album, representing a tremendous offering from the Dead Sea Souls. Especially in terms of its accessibility and the consistency with which it displays quality musicianship and meaningful lyrics. Gary Burns’ wonderfully melodious vocals and bass playing are complemented expertly by James Sweeney’s mastery of the guitar, Colin Sneddon’s great six-string performances and David Clark’s rhythmic drum beats. It is understandable then, that all of the album’s 10 tracks are excellent, and are not let down by any pointless `filler’ tracks.
Particularly emotional and heart rendering tracks include; “Trendesetter,” “Raincoat,” the stunningly haunting “Six,” where Gary Burns’ vocal exceeds all expectations, “New Vibe” and the very danceable mover, “Cagefighter.”
The Dead Sea Souls appear to have significantly stretched the indie musical boundaries with this release, managing to encapsulate an earnestness and emotiveness together with a polished production that many indie bands rarely achieve.
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While the album retains the band’s raw edge, especially through hard-hitting songs such as “My Problem” and the upbeat “Punk B-Side”, it also introduces a wealth of songs based around beautiful vocal harmonies and soaring melodies. The moving “Six” illustrates this point perfectly, as it stands as the most poignantly beautiful five minutes on this album and anything else I’ve heard this entire year.
Notwithstanding their melodic edge, the band never sink into a soppy, dull rock act. Even the album’s most tender moments either maintain a degree of intensity or are balanced out by more unrefined moments, culminating into an aurally appealing contrast.
All in all, after careful consideration of the album’s 10 superb songs, I would have to say that “We Were Always Electric” is a rocking, lyrically-rich, orchestral monster of an album that is home to some of the most powerful, uplifting pop-rock vocals, guitar riffs and rhythmic hooks I have heard, to date this year.
The album attains five stars from me, just for the song “Six,” alone; added to “Cagefighter” and its fellow 8 stand-out tracks, this album is easily worthy of so much more than just the five stars allowed.
Do your record collection a favour and be the envy of your friends, by not missing this excellent album by the Dead Sea Souls. Buy it now!
The Scottish Band – DEAD SEA SOULS
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