January Blues - The Lights Single Review

The Lights [UK]

Single Review

The first thing that strikes me about the new release from Birmingham band, The Lights, is how much the lead singer, Shaun Kelly sounds like James Dean Bradfield from the Manic Street Preachers. I know I should go on about how full of energy the track is, but the comparison is uncanny.

The track itself is not original or innovative, if you are expecting them to be like a Holy Bible-era Manics you are looking in the wrong place. However, that is my only problem with the track. The melodies are rich and uplifting, the guitars are alluring and the musicianship is flawless The harmonies between Shaun Kelly, and keyboardist and vocalist Liz Sheils are the stand-out highlight of the track and it is truly refreshing to hear harmonies so in sync with each other.

Liz Sheils really shines on her own on B-side, Start Again, which is a beautiful written and sung folksy song. Liz Sheils' voice sounds like it should belong to one of the many TV talent shows; the voice just makes the song that bit more special and accompanies the soft acoustic guitar beautifully.

Even though there is a lack of originality to their music, the harmonies, musicianship and Liz Sheils' voice make up for the lack of uniqueness in their music. With the right team behind them, they could potentially be a band to watch in the future.

Lucas Jones.

Lucas Jones