Fed To The Lions is the debut album from Bristol quartet Tax The Heat and as debut albums go it's an absolute barnstormer. This isn't a band still in search of their sound as many initial efforts can be, but rather a highly polished effort showcasing a real identity. A bed of hard rock riffs and 60's R&B swagger gives the foursome a hearty base from which to launch their songs.
And what songs they
are. The singles Highway Home and Animals kick things
off with aplomb, giving a strong indication of what to expect –
ballsy guitars and big choruses – without giving too much away
about what's in store further down the line. Whilst ostensibly 'blues
rock' the glossy production and Alex Veale's thoroughly modern
delivery of the vocals ensure that Tax The Heat are miles away from
your bog-standard classic rock band. Though there's still some
blistering lead runs by Veale that will keep that audience more than
happy, there are moments when indie flavours seep through to compliment the overall hard rock vibe.
Three tracks from the band's 2013 EP are reproduced here
including the song for which this album is named. Any other track
following the Wolfmother meets QOTSA Under Watchful Eye would
sound tame by comparison but the massive guitar sound, furious
drumming and stop start vocals make it one of this writer's
favourites on the album.
The true stand out
track though arrives at the mid-point in the shape of Some
Sympathy. Appearances at
Download, Calling Festival and others, as well as arena shows
alongside the likes of Thunder cry out for some sort of anthem and
Tax The Heat could have a stone cold classic on their hands right out
of the gate. With a huge sing-a-long chorus and simple, one-two punch
riff, it's no wonder they were able to win over those sorts of
crowds.
The
album rattles along at a good pace, the quartet eschewing ballades
and opting to keep the riffs coming right up until the climactic Lost
Our Way, a real showcase of the
musicianship these lads possess. A guitar god opening, giving way to
a melodious chorus demonstrating a command of light and shade, it's a
massive closing track that is just begging to be given an extended
workout live.
All
in all, few freshmen efforts can claim to be as polished and
self-assured as Fed To The Lions. If their career trajectory is any
indication, off the back of this record, Tax The Heat are poised for
big things.
Tracklisting:
Highway Home
Animals
Under Watchful Eye
Fed To The Lions
Hit Me Hard
Stood On The Platform
To Leave
Some Sympathy
Devil's Daughter
Learn To Drown (You're
Wrong)
Caroline
Your Fool
Lost Our Way
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