| Review: The Graeme Mearns Band - Some Kind Of Bliss |
| Tuesday, 07 August 2007 |
 A budding city for musical flair, Edinburgh has undoubtedly become home to many artists with a distinctly raw edge, and so it comes as no surprise that in amongst these sits the seasoned but sparkling Graeme Mearns Band. Having been no strangers to the Scottish music scene for quite some time now, their debut album Some Kind of Bliss is a true reflection of how The GMB have come to sound over the past couple of years.
The album kicks off with the strident Aquarius, and it is its interesting twist of heavy riffs and unique vocals that set the sound of The GMB apart from any other artists currently aboard the music scene. What strikes immediately however, is the confidence of the track that perfectly sets the pace for the delicious remainder of Some Kind of Bliss. Take for instance the neighbouring track N2U, with its similar hues and lyrics written to thrill. One thing to keep an ear out for during this track is the powerful guitar solo that does well to compliment the subtle and almost haunting chants that are dispersed throughout. The steady sense of beguile that blazes throughout N2U is perfectly matched by the two tracks Sanatorium and, title-track, Some Kind of Bliss. Both tracks revive qualities so eloquently exhibited by the likes of Nick Cave; one of The GMB's self-professed sources of influence. The lovely thing about Some Kind of Bliss is that, not only does it flaunt this raucous radiance that is the fundamental sound of The GMB, but it also allows for another side to shine. The more subtle side of the album gives listeners the chance to experience the same energy but at a softer angle, with tracks such as The Spaces Where You Used to Be, Drunken Bum Blues and Same All Over. With an emphasis on melodious tones, The Spaces Where You Used to Be charges ahead in the emotions race, whilst the subdued Drunken Bum Blues gives way to a soft, jazz-fused ambience. Some Kind of Bliss ends with the more upbeat yet equally alluring Same All Over, combining the elegance of the two aforementioned near-ballads with the vitality that is so strongly expressed throughout the rest of the album. Leaving the best until last, of course, leads finally to the three standout tracks on the album. With a title that informs where you should in fact be heading when listening to this track, Dancefloor is especially good at showing off the wonderful voice behind The GMB, provided by Graeme Mearns himself; not to mention the talents of bassist John Need and drummer Ali Murray, whose handiwork of course feature heavily throughout the album. I Can't Believe I Fell in Love with You is yet another taster of energetic rock beats, whereas (my particular favourite) Another Kind Of Lover is one to turn up the volume to, and enjoy the blend of classic guitar and terribly cool vocals; a definite highlight on the album. Demonstrating such a flurry of turbulent riffs and crisp beats, Some Kind of Bliss by The Graeme Mearns Band is an album that proves their worth as nothing less than a band with the pluck and pizzazz to take today's music scene by storm. The album is now available to buy and the video for 'I Can't Believe I Fell In Love With You' can be viewed in the Video Vault. Listen to Another Kind Of Lover |
