We Are Augustines
Photo: Chase Jarvis link
Rise Ye Sunken Ships - We Are Augustines Album Review
Album Review
Right from the start when you hear the name of this Brooklyn based band you can't help but think "Ah another indie band". If this is your first opinion then you wouldn't be far off from the truth. We Are Augustines are the American guitar band that has well and truly got their feet into the UK music scene already winning XFM's 'Breakfast track of the week' and 'Record of the week' with their debut single 'Book Of James'. It doesn't stop there either with the big experts in music like Zane Lowe, Lauren Laverne, Jo Whiley and Steve Lamacq singing the praises of We Are Augustines, it can be predicted that it won't be long before this lot hit big things.
The one remaining unanswered question is; Are they actually any good? We Are Augustines aren't bad but they aren't amazing either, like so many bands before them and no doubt ahead of them. Their best single seems to be the acclaimed 'Book of James'. Although saying that 'Headlong into the Abyss' does stand out as something special, maybe just because it has a bit more oomph both lyrically and musically. 'Juarez' is perhaps a track inspired by the likes of U2 appearing to be the track which most depends on guitar riffs. The only song that comes close to the standard of 'Book of James' is 'Philadelphia (The City Of Brotherly Love)' being the seventh track in and being the most liveliest thus far comes as a pleasant surprise. 'Philadelphia' works as one of those upbeat songs that instantly gets your foot tapping and puts a smile on your face. Do not however now imagine it as one of those poppy over the top indie anthems, it is far from it!
If this album achieves anything for We Are Augustines it will probably be earning themselves several slots at UK festivals this summer - because that is exactly where they will fit in.
