There must be something in the West Yorkshire water – so many bands keep cropping up and so many of them are very talented. Admittedly a lot of them aren’t really my thing, but that doesn’t mean you cannot admire what they do. Above Them continue the tradition and the Pontefract lads do the Leeds ‘scene’ proud. There’s an Against Me influence here, although it’s maybe not worn on their sleeves as much as the lads would like. The guitars are quite Hot Water Music-y too, although there’s certainly an English edge to things and the Biffy Clyro and Kids Near Water comparisons on the band’s own biography aren’t too far wide of the mark.
‘Plastic Memories of a Lifetime To Come’ is a six-track EP which sets the band up nicely. It’ll certainly help them get gigs and build their name up and the vinyl-look to the CD itself is a nice little touch. The six tracks are all to a high standard, with ‘Heartbeat for the Heartless’ and ‘Halfcast Skys (sic) and Halfcast Symphonies’ probably the standouts for me. Bearing in mind these guys have only been together since November, this is a tight little record that is worth checking out.
Paul