Embarking on a tour of America on the 11th February, after playing throughout Europe, We Were Promised Jetpacks will hopefully be hailed as the best thing to come out of Scotland so far in 2010.
We Were Promised Jetpacks are the latest signing to FatCat Records, sharing the label with the likes of Frightened Rabbit and Twilight Sad. Following in the footsteps of their more experienced friends, WWPJ enter the world with an anthemic album, full of powerful guitar riffs and charming, vulnerable vocals with an authentic accent.
The debut album “These Four Walls” is a step in a fantastic direction for this 4 man band from Scotland. With natural comparisons to similar artists, WWPJ have some tough acts to follow but have stormed through the preconceptions with a well produced, well thought out and well executed debut album. There are undoubtedly mixed influences but perhaps comparisons to the more acoustic Frightened Rabbit are missing the pop-punk element to WWPJ. The muscular drum beats and cymbal smashing compliment the delicate yet powerful guitar riffs.
The album opener, ‘It’s Thunder and it’s Lightening’ is a champion introduction to the record. It epitomises the aim of the rest of the album whilst retaining its individuality. The opening is mellow and heart-warming and the track only continues to build on that theme.
‘Quiet Little Voices’ follows suit and is my favourite track on the album. It is 4 minutes 18 seconds of awesome music. The stunning guitar riffs and tender, tuneful vocals lend to an anthemic chorus with heavy drumming which fuses together to create a single that will no doubt be a real success in 2010, especially during festival season. Perhaps the best words to describe this track would be ‘emotive’ and ‘powerful’, both in terms of music and lyrics, no doubt a live performance of this track would be spectacular!
The album is cleverly broken up, taking breaks from the pounding drum beats and roaring riffs with cleverly placed interludes, such as ‘A Half Built House’, which offers a break from the speed and pace of previous tracks. Not to be mistaken for a ‘filler’, this track stands proud amongst a pack of faster, pop-punk tunes as a great instrumental piece and an intriguing change of direction whilst intelligently remaining in the same vein as the rest of the album.
The final track on the album is a lovely acoustic track, with fantastic finger-picking and stunning vocals, reflecting the vulnerability and emotion of the lyrics perfectly. Although, some would argue WWPJ are best suited to upbeat, fast-tempo tracks, the acoustic and slower tracks offer variation and versatility. Whilst their lyrics may not be deep and meaningful, and some may argue that in some songs, they are somewhat repetitive, WWPJ are full of energy and their music only proves this. Playing tricky riffs at great speed is an amazing talent and executing such cleverly crafted songs, perfectly, is a real compliment to this seriously (currently) underrated band. [Jodie]
Check them out at http://www.myspace.com/wewerepromisedjetpacks
You have this record summed up really well
personally though my credit goes to Conductor to show their softer, acoustic side. Still, fantastic album from a fantastic, under rated band.
Yeah! Totally agree, actually! The composer/conductor (and all the production team for that matter) did a great job. That’s why I said at the start that it’s “a well produced, well thought out and well executed debut album”, giving credit to everyone! I hope they continue to make such awesome music! I’m going to listen to the album again now!