Brummie band The Lights have dropped a neat debut album. The quintet, made up of Liz Sheils (vocals & keys), Shaun Kelly (vocals & acoustic), Dan Tombs (lead guitar), Gaz Worton (bass guitar) and Woz Meadows (drums), have a fresh and effervescent feel about them. I seem to have a thing for easy-sounding indie-folk and The Lights exude a similar vibrancy that attracted me to the likes of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Frank Turner and Kitty The Lion.
As with every good band, The Lights got out on the road and for the past year they have gigged relentlessly including appearances at a handful of festivals such as Strummerville, Birmingham Artsfest and The Good Weekend. They then hurled themselves into the studio with renowned sonic guru Gavin Monaghan (Kings of Leon, Bloc Party, Editors, Idlewild) to which I believe his influence has helped to shape what is a rather striking result.
Teenager of the Century, released through Minty Fresh/ Crash Records, is suitably balanced with foot-stomping melodies alongside gentle instrumentals. Taking the track Sleep Addiction as an example, it beautifully builds to which when the infectious hook subsides youre left with a potent score you cant help but body-groove to.
Mostly Water is my favourite on the record. It has an enchanting melody and Sheils harmony is slightly addictive. Following this, Kelly leads on track Holly. The vocal pairing of the two throughout the album is smooth and on No Match For Genevieve I cannot help but liken The Lights to a sweet folk alternative to country sensation Lady Antebellum.
This is a strong, polished effort and as the sole influence in the reformation (and destruction) of the band All Saints (their words, not mine), I feel as if we should support them wholeheartedly.