LYRICS: coming soon

REVIEWS:

X-Press EP Review by Mike Wafer, 1 June 2006

Aside from the vocals, which lack the bloatedness of the era, The Reserves' debut sounds very much like it would have been at home with late '80's / early '90's Aussie rock heroes such as Spy Vs Spy. Interestingly enough, the most identifiably 'Australian' aspect of The Reserves by today's standards is the vocals, with their rich (but often forced sounding) Aussie accent.

Delivering very basic, direct songs of traditional structure, The Reserves get straight to the point and shine magnificently as a result. Occasionally the point becomes laboured, and what would have ben a great two-minute rock song suddenly drags on a bit, but the melodies driving each song are certainly of a high standard.

Musically, the band have managed to reaffirm the mood set out by the lyrics, which appear to have been spurred on by some kind of break up or relationship meltdown. Avoiding sounding overly bitter, or petty, there is a mild malaise to the lyrics which - backed by the not-too-dark, not-too-agressive music, get straight to the point and avoid whingeing.

Akin to local bands such as The Critics, though less punk-driven, The Reserves' sound is familiar enough to make it palatable on first listen, but unique enough to make it enduring over extended listening. At this EP's heart are really good songs played out by a band that actually understand the point they're trying to make.

AUDIO:
Songs available via our MySpace

VIDEO:

Making of The Road / In The End single - Sumo Sound Studio Sep 07 

 Live footage from Settlers Tavern Margaret River, Dec 06

 

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