Dundee based indie-rockers The View have worked practically non-stop since the release of their debut album 'Hats Off To The Buskers' back in January 2007. Albums, tours, festivals and a No.3 single in 'Same Jeans' has seen the young band gain a slow, steady but loyal following, and 2012 sees them on the verge of releasing their fourth studio album, 'Cheeky For A Reason'.
The new album showcases The View's more chilled, mellow sound on the whole, although the powerhouse indie-rock of their previous efforts aren't lost on some of the album tracks. Opening track ‘How Long’, characterised by frantic percussion, thumping bass, super slick lead licks and a chorus that sticks in the mind like glue, is an absolute joy to behold – bursting with vintage power-pop harmonies and a majestic breakdown where Kyle Falconer’s velvety tones have never sounded better. 'How Long' will be the first single from the album and is a perfect advert for what fans can expect - the main highlight being the showcase of Kyle's impressive vocals; something that's perhaps been missing from some of their other releases.
Recent free download ‘Hold On Now’ is crisp, uplifting guitar-pop of the highest order, the beautifully sparse ‘Bunker (Solid Ground)’, boasting expertly crafted vocal harmonies and a well considered Kings Of Leon-style arrangement is a moment of real quality, too. It's no surprise the band have found some Kings Of Leon common ground with unofficial 5th KOL member and writer/producer Angelo Petraglia penning three of the album's tracks with Kyle and Kieren.
Other highlights include breezy country pop gem ‘The Clock’ – full of delightful melodies, pulsing acoustic and crunchy lead guitars and sung with real guile and gusto by a singer whose voice consistently lights up the record. Nowhere is this more evident than on closing track ‘Tacky Tattoo’. The vocal is superb – warm, bluesy and sung straight from the heart, before launching into a gospel-like, almost tribal finale.
Kyle's vocals have never particularly struck me as anything amazingly special until this album, where he really has the chance to shine amongst the well-produced and perfectly executed songs. With producer Mike Crossey at the helm, whose credits include Arctic Monkeys, Razorlight and Foals, The View are certainly in great hands with this album which Kyle describes as "Fleetwood Mac's 'Rumours' done by The Clash".
It's natural and expected for a band to grow up and move on throughout their career, but 'Cheeky For A Reason' really does showcase a more mature sound for The View. They've managed to keep their fun, passionate and, pardon the pun, cheeky sound that's always been evident in their releases, but the more mellow tracks on this album have a real maturity and almost settled feel to them. The difference between the obvious influences on the album will make for a really interesting and eclectic live show, and festival time will be even more special with the fantastic songs that soundtrack The View's new 2012 sound. A great effort from a band that just keeps getting better; highly recommended.
'Cheeky For A Reason' is released on 9th July 2012.
Mon June 25th 2012 - Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth
Tue June 26th 2012 - KOKO, London
Thu June 28th 2012 - The Junction, Cambridge
Fri June 29th 2012 - Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton
Sat July 7th 2012 - Pleasure Island, Cleethorpes
Sun July 8th 2012 - Dome Doncaster, Doncaster
Mon July 9th 2012 - Ritz, Manchester
Tue July 10th 2012 - O2 Academy Newcastle, Newcastle
Thu July 12th 2012 - O2 Academy Glasgow, Glasgow
Fri August 3rd 2012 - Moulridge Lane, Pikehall, Near Matlock
Fri August 31st 2012 - HMV Edinburgh Picture House, Edinburgh
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The new album showcases The View's more chilled, mellow sound on the whole, although the powerhouse indie-rock of their previous efforts aren't lost on some of the album tracks. Opening track ‘How Long’, characterised by frantic percussion, thumping bass, super slick lead licks and a chorus that sticks in the mind like glue, is an absolute joy to behold – bursting with vintage power-pop harmonies and a majestic breakdown where Kyle Falconer’s velvety tones have never sounded better. 'How Long' will be the first single from the album and is a perfect advert for what fans can expect - the main highlight being the showcase of Kyle's impressive vocals; something that's perhaps been missing from some of their other releases..jpg)
