The Pride - InMe Album Review

InMe

Photo: Rob link

Album Review

Turn the volume up for this one. It is a necessity!

For those who are yet to come across InMe, this Essex 4 piece have been hovering for a while, with considerable success without fully breaking into the mainstream, until possibly now. 'The Pride' is their fifth studio album and signals the steady progression that they have made since their debut jaunt 'Overgrown Eden' (2003).

InMe are a British alternative rock band with a unique sound, which is something that has not been compromised in 'The Pride'. Crunching chords, searing guitar solos and great vocals are the constant ingredients of their musical production line, but what I like about them is that once you familiarise yourself with their work, you can distinguish each of their songs as an InMe song, although later work is maybe a little more refined.

With 'The Pride', we are immediately treated to some of this classic equation with 'Reverie Shores'. A steady build up brings us to an 'invincible' chorus, with an anthemic feel. 'Moonlit Seabed' is a real guilty pleasure. This mixed bag gives off some soft intricacy, leading to an electro sound on a platform of metal guitar, a sly intermittent slap bass sound, melting vocals that jump an octave just before a massive finale of guitar and bass drum. I'm sure this song shouldn't work, but it really does.

'Moonlit Seabed' isn't the only track that delves into keyboards and electronics. 'Guardian, A Great Man' and the mystical sounding beginning of 'Silver Womb' all experiment with mixing this with more traditional guitar and drum, but maybe this signifies the progress that InMe have made. Comfortable with their sound yet striving for more, willing to experiment without losing their core, and it's this core sound has seen the band inherit a loyal set of fans. Combined with other solid and catchy numbers like 'Halcyon Genesis', 'Beautiful Sky Gardens' and 'Legacy', this album will only attract more interest into their music.

'Pantheon' is another stand-out track - a good old-fashioned rock song which flows with its predominant bassline throughout the verses, providing a backbone for front-man Dave Macpherson to display more excellent lyrics and his awesome rock singing voice. Both singing and screaming, his very distinguishable tones complement their alternative rock style perfectly.

This album is InMe's first forage into the growing phenomenon of Pledge Music. They are a company that offer the artist more control of their music, encouraging funding from the fans in exchange for unique releases and experiences. InMe donated around 70 incentives to those who pledged, including merchandise, personal rarities, live material and house party gigs. Enough money was raised through this to donate to the Alzheimers Society whilst also giving the band more overall management of their music, and the fans some rare interaction with their heroes.

An excellent album and well worth a purchase. It is on general release now and available on iTunes. InMe are also currently touring the UK promoting 'The Pride'.

Phil Oddie