This Is Not The World - The Futureheads Album Review

The Futureheads

Album Review

Retaining their unique take on the punk genre, The Futurehead's latest entry 'This Is Not The World' comes across with a sophisticated Kaiser Chiefs-esque sound. The opening track 'The Beginning Of The Twist' is a prime example of their breed of punk-indie, laced in anthem lyrics and potential single from the album. The song is well structured, with an ever changing tempo that will likely prove popular amongst their live performances.

As the Album begins to take shape, it features a healthy dose of short instrumentals, being used to divert attention away from the bands lacklustre [and often mind dissolving] repetitive lyrics. Despite the similarities to the Kaiser Chiefs, it becomes apparent quickly they cannot contest with their anthemish songs or irresistible charm. Still, the band's track 'Hard To Bear' is a solid rock song which could easily hit the chart. The lyrics

Hard To Bear, Difficult To watch, Hard to bear but not impossible as such

Remain engrossed within your brain after just one or two hearings.

'This Is Not The World' is one of the better tracks from the album, ditching the hugely repetitive lyrics resulting in a catchier track. The head-bopping track is again another potential single, more vocal based than any of the earlier tracks. The song features the familiar heavier chorus, then reverting back to the slow paced verse.

'Broke Up The Time' is typical of The Futureheads previous work. Not really showing signs that they've grown up, but certainly a fan pleaser. 'Everything's Changing Today' is nothing exceptional, but indicates that there isn't an obvious weak track on the album. Despite it not being the defining album of 2008, it comes with a good array of indie/punk music that you can easily get to grips to. Maybe it isn't the usual anthem music of The Pigeon Detectives and the Kaiser Chiefs, but The Futureheads offers you something fresh to the genre. The lyrics maybe a little lax at times, and if you play the album more than three times a day it very well could cause cancer, but the band have made huge strides and could really cement their place in the mainstream indie scene. Worth a listen for any indie fans.

Tom Crowther