To say this album is a long time coming would be an understatement. Anyone at Truck last year who saw their intense (if shortened) set might have seen the posters proudly stating the album would be in the shops October 2004. Well, after several more delays it is in my hands, ready to hit the streets and was thankfully worth the wait.
There is no better way to start than with their anthem-to-be (finally?) 'Good Show' - with an octane-powered, spiky intro and Jamie’s entrancingly edgy vocals, this song is the band at their dynamic best.
One accusation levelled at the band was that they could be perceived as something of a 'one trick pony' with little variation, however this album certainly challenges that perception. Throughout the record, the band show their gleaming multi-talented skills, jumping from moody down tuned 'tear-jerkers' ('The Sorry Suitor') Foo Fighters-skewed riffery ('Scapegoat') and all with the gleam of a freshly-shone diamond. The band's musical talents have never been in doubt, but this every track on this album is played with such an amazing urgency. A real drive to make a point, yet pulled off with effortless finesse and style.
A perfect introduction for new fans and something of a 'Best of' for the previously initiated - but a true guide to one of the best bands that Britain has to offer. Dive Dive have stated their intent in near perfect fashion, now it just comes down to a simple fact:- are there enough people willing to listen?
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8Colin Weston's Score