Have you ever asked yourself the question; ‘what one band could I happily listen to for the rest of my life?’ During the summer I found myself constantly trying to answer this question. When I came to a conclusion, I was pretty happy with my decision. This band had pretty much been the soundtrack to my summer and with their new album looming for release when I got back from Spain, it had to be Bombay Bicycle Club.
I’d written an article a few months back about the upcoming release of ‘A Different Kind of Fix’, and to say I was excited was an understatement. After being hooked on their sophomore release ‘I Had the Blues…..’ and equally as impressed by their acoustic effort, ‘Flaws’, I was sure that Bombay’s next release would not disappoint. And you guessed it, it really didn’t. I was already quite familiar with the haunting, atmospheric title track 'How Can You Swallow So Much Sleep' from its earlier release as part of the Twilight soundtrack. What really got to me, however, was the band's transition in sound from their early material to now.
Making their way back to their electric roots after a lovely acoustic break in the form of 'Flaws', it would be an easy mistake to expect an album based heavily on memorable hooks and riffs similar to that of 'I Had the Blues....'. But no, this is an entirely different package; or as the album title suggests, 'A Different Kind of Fix'. Admittedly the album does require two or three playbacks, but what the listener gets in return is more than rewarding. And the harder you dig, the more gems you'll discover.
One of the standout tracks on the album is 'Leave It'. It's just one of those songs that you can't help your feet from tapping along to. The bridge before the chorus is also worked very nicely with the inclusion of Lucy Rose's vocals. Having already worked with the band after meeting lead singer Jack Steadman a few years back, Rose has had an integral relationship with the band ever since. Having lent her vocal to the title track of 2010's acoustic album 'Flaws', the singer-songwriter features heavily on Bombay's latest effort. Whilst also helping out the band at live shows (watch below), the talented singer gives tracks like 'Fracture' and 'Leave It' an extra dimension with her angelic tones perfectly complementing Steadman's vocals.
Personal favourite of mine off the EP is 'Lights Out, Words Gone'. Released just recently as the follow up single to 'Shuffle', the band here prove they've got more than enough soul. Driven by the fantastic bass playing of Ed Nash accompanied by some lovely muted riffs, the song is a real delight to listen to. You just might even want to get up and dance if the video is anything to go by.
The four-piece, who have recently embarked on their biggest UK tour to date, have hit a winner with 'A Different Kind of Fix.' Musically, the band have grown into themselves. All twelve tracks on the album have been beautifully crafted and the instrumental build-up in some songs is almost orchestral. Frontman Jack Steadman's songwriting has also developed impressively. The lyrics now have far more resonance compared to those featured in previous material and in terms of the album's production, it's faultless. What's evident is that the band have put a lot of love and care into the making of their third album and if you've followed the band ever since their early days, it's almost as if you can hear the band growing up.
One last thing to remember is how old the Bombay lads actually are. Being only about 21 years old, the band's progress is simply remarkable. To release three excellent, such mature sounding albums so early in their career is only shadowed by the prospect of what's to come from Bombay Bicycle Club. At the present, Bombay stand in good stead for album of the year and if they fail to get a look in at next year's Mercury Prize then something's wrong. If you haven't already, I urge you to check out 'A Different Kind of Fix' as soon as possible. You can thank me later.
