Search - Music :: Welcome to the North

Welcome to the North = Welcome to the New Old School

2 Fonkay 4 U | Florida | 10/19/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What can I say? I have been following this band since their first album "The Music" and was quickly drawn into their heavy riff driven dance rock. I simply loved their first album and patiently awaited this follow up.



The Music combine so many things from the great classic rock bands i.e.; Led Zep, U2, Jane's Addiction and wraps them all up with some funky drums, amazing vocals, thumping bass lines and smoking riffs. All so exquisitely layered together that it is simply pleasure for your ears.



When you listen to the band, it harkens back to the days when rock music was about having a good time, but it by no means sounds dated. There is no "Teenage Angst" to be had here. Just straightforward Rock that moves your body and soul.



As good as the first album was to me, WTTN is a much deeper album. Though, both albums will be classics one day in my opinion. Especially as more people get exposed to the band.



There is a little less of the "techno rock" on this album as compared to the first, but the song writing is much more mature and cohesive on WTTN. If they were able to grow so much from their first as compared to this one, then I cannot wait for their next installment. Remember, these guys are barely 20 years old.



I am not sure if American radio is ready for this band as I think they are not always 100% rock and stations might have a hard time fitting them into their format. "Freedom Fighters", "Cessation" (with its Zep like breakdowns), and "I need Love" are all rock jams. "Bleed from Within" reminds me of old school U2. But it is all so fresh to the ears.



Songs like "Breakin", "Guide" are guitar driven and they are hard enough for Rock radio, but catchy enough for Pop radio as well.



"Into the Night" is probably the most "POP" song on the album and could be the break up song of the year. It could easily be the song that really crosses the band over to multi formats. Though it is not my favorite song on the album (that changes every day) it is a little piece of perfection that Robert Harvey and the band pull off flawlessly.



As with most good/great albums, you may not be blown away by your first taste of "The Music". Keep that in mind and give the album a few spins before making a final decision. I am sure that the bands style will burn into your brain in no time.



If you are already a fan of "The Music" the above applies to you as well. This album is a much more accessible version of the first album. While it may not be as rough around the edges as the first, WTTN is truly a great sophomore album by a band that has an extremely bright future ahead of them.



I hope you enjoy this album as much as I have and by all means, if you have the opportunity to see them live, jump on it.

"

What The New U2 Album Should Have Sounded Like.

Jason Stein | San Diego, CA United States | 12/12/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Thrilling is just one word that describes these young guys from England. With their second album The Music prove a force to be reckoned with to say the least. They truly take all the best elements from U2 and Rush and mix them together to create an unhearalded rock and roll album. Not derivative at all, these guys are a band to watch for in the coming years. Great songs abound on this release like "Bleed From Within", "Breakin'", "Fight The Feeling", "Guide", "Into The Night" and "Open Your Mind". If you're like me, and you recently bought the new U2 album and were thinking it sounded ho-hum, then pick up "Welcome To The North" and enjoy! I can't believe these guys are only in their early twenties! I didn't exactly hear Led Zeppelin or Queen like the editorial reviewer did, but U2 and possibly Rush come to mind. Go get this!"

Very Refreshing! England never disappoints me.

L. Russell | mobile, AL USA | 01/26/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When I first saw The Music, it was on MtvU, a campus version of Mtv- without all the pop crap. Instead it has videos of groups like Interpol, Razorlight, and unknown bands just starting out. When I saw the video for "Breakin" I thought, I gotta check this band out . I'd also heard that their music was very similar to groups like The Who, U2 and Led Zeppelin. Being the Zeppelin fanatic that I am, that further encouraged me to buy the cd. And being a huge fan of Zeppelin tends to make one become very picky when it comes to other music, so The Music would have a lot to live up to in my cd collection, next to Zep, Who, U2, Beatles... but they do an excellent job of it! The Music has all the qualities of an English arena-rock band who's sound brings out the groupie side in the most innocent of girls: a curly haired singer with presence, soaring choruses, power chords, and -the best part- guitar /drum solos. What's not to love? Their sound relies heavy on the vocals of Robert Harvey and the lead guitarist Adam Nutter, but they're not afraid to incorporate some timpani, a couple tambourines, (hey, why not?) and is that some type of Middle Eastern instrument I hear in the title track? It's very obvious they are comfortable in their skin and with their music, and perform it without fear. That confidence carries throughout this entire record. Each song is powerful, even the toned -down ballads "Into the Night" and "Fight the Feeling" with it's 1-2-3 waltz tempo, are gentle without being covered in syrupy lyrics that would make most people gag. (By this point in my first listen, I began searching the internet for their tour dates.) And if you like instrumentals, you'll like "Open Your Mind" the most, as Robert steps back and just lets the band jam, to end the record. The perfect ending. Tracks that really stand out: (including afore mentioned ballads)



"Welcome to the North" - a "Won't Get Fooled Again" for the new millennium. Very dynamic. This will sound amazing live.

"Freedom Fighters" - happy, very happy. Go ahead, dance and sing along ! "sing this song...dance for the freedom!"

"Bleed from Within"- the rhythm section shines. Gotta love Rob's "ugh ugh ugh" grunts during the bridge.

"Breakin"- I bet Maroon5 wishes they'd written this song. Awesome Awesome Awesome song. Rhythm section is still shining brightly. A happy song about paranoia.

"Cessastion" - Beautiful. Layered vocals and interesting arrangement. Another song I'm dying to hear live.

"Guide"- Robert's ode to his parents. That's pretty rare in rock music, but they pull it off wonderfully.



This record was made in Atlanta, GA- by the sound of this cd, our Southern air (or beer) must really agree with them. Really, there's not a bad track on this record. Worth every penny. Buy a copy now, and hold on to it- this kind of fun rock cd will still be a good listen ten years from now. And since this band hasn't hit the very top yet, they're only going to get better and that means their masterpiece is on the way and I'm looking forward to it. This band deserves every success- they deserve to be HUGE. Zeppelin or U2 huge. LONG LIVE THE MUSIC! Let the NEW British Invasion begin!

"