The allure of
the LA Sun and low cost studio time has resulted in Camden four piece Tribes'
second studio album, Wish To Scream. Where once the indie-doused band graced
themselves with spirited and striking tunes, laced with some lyrical virtuoso
and London-boy charm, think We Were Children and Sappho of 2012 debut Baby,
their 2013 follow up somewhat lacks beguiling substance, despite a flutter of
rousing melodies buried within the 16-track record.
Opening
numbers Dancehall and Get Some Healing propose notions of easy listening staple
pieces which follow expected verse-chorus and a 'it'd be rude not to' guitar
solo. With the former track consisting of such lyrics as, "She's a movie
star, fast sports car", front man Lloyd's cliché murmurs of love provide
the perfect backdrop for a Summer 'coming of age' film gem.
As hoped,
more appealing tracks make an appearance amongst the throng of wayward
contenders. How The Other Half Live brandishes grungy guitars and a sharp organ
contribution from the onset. As if Lloyd may be prevailing in his comfort zone,
lyrics like, "Quite condescending, it's driving me mad"/"Back
against the wall" seem enunciated with a flare of meaningfulness, backed
with rousing instrumentation from fellow band mates.
Wrapped Up In
A Carpet is an intriguing number; evoking warped thoughts of where that poetic
title came from. Acoustic and blues influences guitars merge to provide a
refreshing comedown from the resident voluminous and brazen tracks. With psychedelic
hints trickling through the laid back melody, Tribes bear resemblance to
American dreamers MGMT as Lloyd adopts subtle tones rather than his accustomed
lavish trills.
Bypassing a
handful more of cliché lyrics and vaguely country inspired songs leads to
Englishman On Sunset Boulevard, what may be said is the epitome of the record.
Complete with a effortlessly catchy chorus and an uplifting gospel choir, the
three minute track is rousing if not slightly 'try-hard' is its quest to be of
anthem stature. However, Lloyd's vocals ring clear and crisp, seemingly riddled
with sentimentality. The opening lyrics, "Never thought I'd come down this
hard" are somewhat poignant, reflecting upon the British group's
migrations to the States and the revelation of this run-of-the-mill album. Of
course, it's not a rarity when British bands record albums on American shores
but it is disappointing when a group does not deliver, despite the industry
assets which encircle them.
In
acknowledgment of their surroundings, the group have allowed trickles of
country influences into their tracks. Street Dancin' is a brooding ballad
introduced by a blues guitar and a drawling organ which hangs behind the whole
track. As if wallowing in self pity, Lloyd sings, "When the world leaves
you feeling half a man, don't criticise what you can't understand". The
track is capable of dragging high spirits to a rock bottom and would be a
fitting point, at 11 tracks in, to end the weary record.
Despite some
intriguing high points and promising tracks, Wish To Scream is a
misrepresentation of the London group. With a lack of ardour and attitude-laden
songs, Tribes have failed to deliver a record as invigorating as their debut.
Rather than absorbing and projecting American influences and their experience
in the LA bliss, they have yielded a rather uninspiring album, which really
does make one wish to scream.
Emma Storey.
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