ALBUM REVIEW: PR / DES

NAME: The Way Back Up

RELEASE DATE: 10/07/2015

TWITTER:  @PRIDESband

WEBSITE: https://store.pridesband.com/

The Prides sound for me could be compared to the soundtrack accompanying a cult 80's John Hughes -esque film. A rhapsody compiled entirely of fail-safe anthemic synth-pop (without a trace of guilt) and signature intro's that may cause nostalgia pains in the form of hefty drum beats felt in the pits of your soul. It is recommended that an hour is taken out of the day just to listen to 'The Way Back Up' in its entirety, I may be slightly biased as a girl that now makes a B-line for 80's compilations in music shops and I shamelessly love a bit of synth use but I feel like this is a body of work that cannot be defined nor categorized in the usual 'pop' sense.

It should be noted that this is an album of all single worthy material however put together and listened to as a whole could seem somewhat continual if predictable, having said that the level of production and general musicianship throughout should be completely appreciated and very much makes up for it.

The album is introduced with their heavy weight greatest hits with the likes of 'I Should Know You Better'' and 'Messiah' starting things off. The singles just never seem to get old, months of having them on repeat and I still love the punchy hit you where it hurts drum beat and feeling like you're being followed by a gospel choir.

As for the new tracks, on first listen 'It's Not Gonna Change' stood out as a favourite purely for its almost tribal twinge, another Prides anthem you want to submerge yourself into because its so pleasing on the ears. I also love the vocals on this track.

'Linger on' brings a touch of funk and title track 'The Way Back Up' is lyrically addictive and feels like the kind of track that could provide the memorable goose-bump, let everything go and just be free feeling at a gig.

Yes this is a trio making a name for themselves for their unmistakable up-tempo sound but the biggest surprise for me came from the ballads on the album. 'The Kite String and the Anchor Rope' will stop you in your tracks and make you have a wee greet in a dark corner somewhere, it's a truly honest piece that shows vulnerability in its vocals. Full of surprises these lads.

Overall, a solid collection of songs from musicians that actually know what to do with their sound. Years of experience clearly paying off for these Glaswegians, well deserving.