An emotional ride
The Haunted Continents new album is a record for the broken hearted; full of breakup songs which are often lyrically corny, but in a good way. Musically it melds a 90s alt-rock sensibility and poppy indie (think Weezer) with foot stomping rock and roll beats into a perfectly cohesive whole; fuzzy guitars drip static and the melodies are instant and infectious. 'Cure For The Blues' minimal vocal guitar combination becomes something brilliantly subtle with lovely distortion and clever lyrics, the backing vocals are effectively having a conversation with the lead and add whoops, whistling and clapping noises. Other tracks like 'Nothin' To Be Done' are haunting and gentle, acoustic plucking and clear emotional vocals are effective and lovely.
James Downes vocals are distinctive and he easily copes with the range of moods the album calls for, from stripped down and minimal to foot-stomping rock and roll numbers like the catchy 'She's My Only One' the angsty 'Played Me Like A Drum' on which it soars and pleads with raw emotion and the folk edged 'Darlin' Why'd You Leave Me?' he always impresses and more than holds the record together, rather he is a commanding presence on the record.
This is a record that could easily appeal to a mixed audience; the emotion behind the lyrics is universal, the vocals are brilliant, the melodies often sweet and catchy, fans of folk, rock and pop should all find something they love here. This is a gem of a record, don't miss out.