If there's one thing that bugs this reviewer to the core it is the lack of authenticity in British music today. Say what you like about quintet Freeze the Atlantic, but their penchant for rock n' roll riffs and raw vocals immediately bares them as a stark contrast to the waves of trendy “post-punk” bands that you'll read about in the NME.
Their lack of pretension is all the more striking when you consider how technically gifted each member is at their station. It is hardly surprising in some ways – Guy Davis, drummer and producer here, was once a key cog in the much loved Reuben, whilst Andy Gilmour is also a member of Hundred Reasons (yes, they're touring again!). These guys know how to make rock records, and whilst they might lack the youth (or image) of their contemporaries, on 'Speakeasy' they prove that age has not made them stagnant.
The biggest revelation is vocalist Chris J. Knott, whose impassioned delivery is reminiscent of the 90s emo bands that are undeniably an influence here. Freeze the Atlantic certainly hark back to the stripped-down rock and whine of the likes of Jimmy Eat World and older Weezer material, albeit with a very English delivery. Not to mention, they're catchy as hell. 'Conflict! Conflict!', 'The Colour' and 'Volcanoes' in particular have hooks that buzz around the brain, without ever sounding overstated.
The only real shadow looming over this record is what has come before. For example, I'm not sure how well Reuben's cult fanbase will appreciate the more tame Freeze the Atlantic sound; any previous hardcore tendencies are kept relatively buried bar the shouty outro to 'Loses All the Romance' from guest vocalist Colin Doran. Meanwhile, JP Reid of Sucioperro/Marmaduke Duke sounds unusually out of place on what would otherwise be a highlight in 'The Alibi'; indeed, the cameo spots are the only real quibble I have with 'Speakeasy'. On the other hand, it is nice to see the support that Freeze the Atlantic have received from their peers in the British underground – the band's hard work has led to a solid debut. Unfortunately, whether the band are able to carve out a career that rivals those that spawned them remains to be seen.
Freeze The Atlantic release debut album 'Speakeasy' on September 17th through Alcopop! Records.
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Their lack of pretension is all the more striking when you consider how technically gifted each member is at their station. It is hardly surprising in some ways – Guy Davis, drummer and producer here, was once a key cog in the much loved Reuben, whilst Andy Gilmour is also a member of Hundred Reasons (yes, they're touring again!). These guys know how to make rock records, and whilst they might lack the youth (or image) of their contemporaries, on 'Speakeasy' they prove that age has not made them stagnant.
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