Album review by Keep
It Live! Magazine
Highly rated York based quartet Breathe have released "Home
Truth", I don't know how many releases Breathe have under
their belts, but this is the first I have been acquainted with,
and it's a corker.
Justin Jamieson (vocals), Alun Hughes (bass guitar), Rich Tull (guitars) and Dave Chadwick (drums) have something very special here. Justin is a sublime frontman, with his distinctive and very well defined vocals, which really is essential with their surreal and satirical contributions. Also, Justin has this knack of seemingly allowing his voice to break, but still remaining in control, adding a new dimension to the vocal element. The band is as tight as a laggy band at full stretch!, taking the listener through so many twists and turns, light and shade tempo's, although the tracks are instantly likeable and memorable, it takes a few revolutions to really understand, and gain maximum enjoyment from the collection. The lyrical content is 'different' but often humorous, sometimes bewildering but always inspirational. The lyrics can be interpreted in many ways and are an integral part of Breathe's character.
It's never fair to categorise or try and
pigeon-hole original artists, but Breathe certainly reminded me
of Kula Shaker partying with The Clash, but I'm sure, knowing
Justin, there are more far-reaching and more elusive and alternative
influences mingled amongst this album.
I'm reminded slightly by The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and I
can't put my finger on why. The cover is slightly surreal and
could possibly be why, or is it the rock operatic value that Breathe
incorporate into their work (panto-rock as Justin calls it)?
Bounding straight into the thrilling "Little
Man Lately", I was unsure whether this was about being too
close to a fridge in the nude! Nevertheless this a scathing vocal
and guitar attack, dominating the proceedings instantly. Bags
of melody attack the listener and take you down into the flourishing
world of Breathe. The strength of the track lies in its assailing
variety, but neatly packaged like a time bomb.
"Supermodel" is a scathing satirical look at the modelling
world; the tune takes on some resplendent twists and turns, throwing
together a world of rock, operatics and a touch of jazz. One minute
your riding high down the rock highway, scintillating and persuasive
vocals from Justin, the next your dropped into a cul de sac of
controlled abstinence, then out on the highway again.
"Stupid Town" is sensational. This has all the qualities of a class act. Thumping bass, strong guitar line, solid backing and beat, this is the most straightforward track on the album. Breathe display their fine attributes in one fell swoop. The backbeat is a catchy as hell, jinking guitar and Justin relays those exquisite vocals once again, remaining at a fairly stringent tempo, "Stupid Town" is hook ridden and flirtatious.
"Beached", or could be more appropriately titled "Unlucky". A rockier essence and effect from Rich on guitar, some great breaks in this one and again some great lines i.e. "it's a one to one shoot out, and I've got the sun in my eyes". The pace never lets up in any department. The bass line is most prominent here and you really get a feel for the talent involved.
"John Wayne". Justin crooning!!!! Not for long though! A picked guitar and Justin grab the intro, even exposed as he is, Justin delivers, before bass and drums enter the fray. The verses remain in a duo form (guitar and vocal) with the chorus exploding in a way that you will have now come to expect. The lyrics.I think this a personal expression from Justin, on an occasion when he got dumped!!!
"James" is mesmerising, this is so difficult to describe in words. Bold, vibrant, uncompromising and brilliant. A slinking, slow (esque), power-ridden tune but with some dexterous lines, who the bloody hell thinks of lines like 'James sits on a train, he's got a new game, he flicks his own teeth out, with a plastic spoon" and next up; "..and James, he's got a wife, she's quite nice, but her friends call her slinky, because he likes his drinking, at the weekend he throws her down stairs." I'm sure they have their reasons for such lyrics, I don't understand, but then at times I don't really need to know and I don't care, the tune detonates instantly.
"Face Like A Slapped T**t", is another example of Breathe's slightly off the wall characteristic's.
There is more measured approach, and a little bit of a rest-bite with "Watertight". Basking in melody and a tranquil rhythm, "Watertight" illustrates Breathe's absolute competence to compete on every level of writing ability.
"Gratefully Raped", although I don't like the title, is another musical Yorkie Bar, big and chunky. Eager chorus, resplendently contrasted against mild and tempered verses. The varying guitar tones and charges, amplify the number accordingly. It ebbs, attacks and pacifies.
"Sheena and Lennie" has The Clash slapped all over it. Furious pace engineered by Dave on drums, guitar breaks abound, reckless attitude, and a swift and decisive delivery.
If melody is the key, Breathe have it in abundance. Clear and concise and vocal Home Truth is like a puppy dog, bright and friendly, but this puppy is the rotweiler version. They are as brazen as they are talented, not for the faint-hearted or if you're receiving any sort of therapy, but if punk/pop/rock esque, gripping tunes are for you - get 'Home Truth.
The big question - "would I buy it?" - I would queue for it !!!!
Colin McCosh - Keep it Live!