Dancers, Prancers and Wankers in Singled Out!

This CD came with nothing except a drawing of a clawed hand so with no information to go on from Regal's new signings I'm left with only the music doing the talking, this is of no consequence however as this EP illustrates Clor’s ability to switch easily between genres with seamless effort. Within only four songs the band throws in splashes of funk to rock, electronica to quirky pop. 'Welcome Music Lovers' opens with 'Good Stuff', aptly named I think, a track which introduces you to their unusual vocals and exciting guitars.  While 'Magic Touch' has a kind of electro-industrial vibe but still leaves room to demonstrate some impressive guitar work.  Clor end their EP with 'Gifted', a ballad displaying beautiful vocals and delicate guitars.  Here's a bunch of people who have easily illustrated a wide range of talent and I'm sure we can expect much from this band.  'Welcome Music Lovers'?  Yes, I think we just might.

'Natural Flair' has a definite retro feel; the track opens with a strong drum beat which complements Nic Armstrong’s voice, it'll have you thinking of the 60’s in no time.  However his pleasant harmonies and Beatle-like vocal explosions are not just a rehash of music 40 years old.  Armstrong manages to retain a comfortable traditional vibe while fusing a modern twist. 

'Hello The End' is taken from Alex Lloyd's forthcoming album 'Distant Light' released in August.  This track doesn't give you much of a chance to get a feel for “Australia’s [apparent] best-kept secret.”  Best described as a power ballad - being both melancholy and reflective - containing nice vocal harmonies that culminate into a pleasant enough song.  It’s just not exactly ground breaking.  Having been compared to the likes of Radiohead and Crowded House he has some way to go until he is producing records of that quality.  But there is definitely potential here.

The third single 'Starcrossed' taken from Ash’s recent album 'Meltdown' has a lot to live up to. A surprisingly crowd pleasing set at T in the Park proved how far they have come. 'Starcrossed' continues Tim Wheeler’s tradition of writing great tunes.  The track sweeps you along with sweet melodies combined with just a touch of wide-eyed enthusiasm and a powerful and catchy chorus that you will be belting out in no time.  I've a feeling there will be some swaying lighters in the crowd for this one!

I’m afraid I’ll have to jump on the Mike Skinner/ The Streets band wagon. 'Dry Your Eyes' is a genuinely moving song that draws you into the plight of the narrator. Skinner surprised me by actually singing on the track and believe it or not he actually pulls it off.  Skinner is a modern poet, crafting songs that people can truly identify with.  This single is taken from their album 'A Grand Don’t Come For Free' (in which all the tracks connect creating a single story) and has been dubbed “an aural movie” unlike “any album you have ever heard.”  On the basis of this single I have to agree.  Roll on the “I told you so’s.”

'The Long Face' is taken from Minus’s third album Halldor Laxness.  The Icelandic band, who scarily give no hint of where they’re from in their vocals, crazily mix guitars and sax in their opening foray only to move into a flurry of hard awkward guitars.  The vocals themselves are not that distinctive but the tune does well to hold the track together while experimenting with different elements.  The head bobbing verses give way to a somewhat angst ridden chorus.  Overall not a bad tune.

The Scandinavian group The Unisex return with their EP 'Watching Traffic'. 'Go Again' the first track on the EP tries to produce a semi happy vibe but it's hard to get too excited over it.  It didn’t help that the guitar solo although exhibiting great skill teeters on the edge of something Bryan-Adamsy.  Things seem to pick up however with second track 'Castle of Air', which fills you with some pleasant foot tapping feelings.  It’s a toss up between the last two tracks for the highlight, as 'La Familia' does give the opportunity to listen to Jonas Linde’s  sexy Scandinavain accent, but it has to be 'Break The Silence' which has the most addictive melody.  Ultimately you won't be turning The Unisex off the radio but equally won’t be rushing out to buy them. 

The Music's 'Welcome To The North' contains an impressive instrumental section, but despite that the track doesn’t really stand out all that much.  Robert Harvey’s vocals are piercing and not in a good way, really are you going to sit down and listen to this new material for fun?  They offer a good mix of guitars and drums to give a rocky feel but there's nothing really new here. What a shame.

I have a confession to make.  Despite being an avid music fan I have never really come across much of The Cure’s extensive back catalogue. 'The End Of The World' is taken from their 13th album and opens with Robert Smith’s distinctive and addictive vocals. The song developes into a classic and pure track that relies on nothing more than The Cure’s ability to manipulate material for its success.  This'll make a great driving tune, I do believe The Cure may have a new fan.