LIINES - Stop Start (Reckless Yes)
LP / DL
4 May 2018
9 / 10
Review by Amy.
Manchester
trio LIINES have gradually built
momentum releasing several tracks since their debut single two years ago making
the release of their debut album 'Stop-Start' a long time coming. The wait was worth it.
From the
outset 'Stop-Start' grabs the listener
by the scruff of the neck and
demands attention, there's no hanging about while they slowly introduce you to
their work, no, it starts like a pistol and doesn't let up. At all. Everything
is immediate, don't even bother trying to catch a breath during this aural
assault as it'll be snatched away from you every time.
Comparisons
to Sleater-Kinney are obvious but there are other references that can be made; Savages, Gang of Four and even PJ Harvey in places. I will, however, admit that 'Stop-Start' is reminiscent of SK's
debut at times, and Zoe's vocals are
akin to Corin's in the sense that they are urgent and demand you listen to what
she's saying, but for me that's where the similarities end...yes they are a 'female'
trio BUT that doesn't (and shouldn't) define them or the music they play - this
band are strong enough to standalone from past influences and probably become
an influence themselves.
The thing I
love most about this album is how raw and abrasive it sounds. One thing LIINES can't be accused of is pretending to be
something they're not - a refreshing
break from all the overly polished albums of late. Everything about this feels authentic,
there's no hiding behind production or layers to build the music up, this is
how they sound, like it or don't - that's your choice, but this is an honest
reflection of a band doing what they do
best. The musicianship and style of
playing has created this beast of an album that pounds relentlessly - Leila's drums are just what the songs
require - nothing overly complicated but
are enough to make your bones rattle, Steph's bass is as rugged and muscular as
they come, you can hear every ounce of energy going into hitting each note, and
as if all of that wasn't enough, Zoe's acidic
guitar work gnaws away over the top -
simple and minimalist but very effective, there's no playing for the sake of
filling a gap, every bit is structured and deliberate.
Highlights
from the album include, well, every track really, though 'Find Something' will be stuck in your head for days. 'Stop-Start' is a very solid album which I
can only imagine sounds even better live - I'll be keeping tabs on this band
and I strongly suggest you do too. I guess all that's left for me to say is go
and buy this album on May 4th!
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