Having a full schedule is always good news for a band and it doesn't look
like Sheffield/Leeds band Volcanoes will be getting much rest this spring.
Obviously their scouse style indie rock is in high demand on the gigging
circuits of the north of England. Fourth EP 'Our Sound' goes some way to
explaining their current popularity, being a rousing collection of well
crafted songs.
The EP kicks off with explosive opener 'Goodnight and Goodluck', rattling
along with a ferocious pace that recalls the Coral's livelier moments. All
four members of the band are credited as singers, and they put this to good
use supporting Samson Bedford's strong lead vocals.
Worryingly, the strongest track on the album is a re-recording of early
favourite 'Room with the Red Door'. Although there's no denying that this is
a good song, it maybe seems a little lazy re-hashing old material for the
fourth EP. The song itself sounds like a cross between The Kooks and Ocean
Colour Scene and has a prominent, catchy melody.
'Frozen Kiss', the EP's third track, brings a vintage feel that compliments
the rest of the material's more modern edge. At just over two minutes the
song is short and sweet, with fun vocals and chewed up guitars.
The EP concludes with its weakest offering 'King of the Hill', a song that
uncomfortably blends memories of the pomp and cheese of 80s hair metal with
Volcanoes' otherwise tight, exciting sound.
'Our Sound' is an enjoyable, competent and promising collection of songs
that should get Volcanoes noticed. Although branded as an EP, the fact that
'Room with the Red Door' is included again here makes it more like a well
packaged demo CD than a real release. Despite this disappointment, Volcanoes
are sure to be a band to look out for in 2007.