SirenBlue
Hit Like and Carry On
01. Out of Here
02. Empty
03. Echo Chamber
04. Live a Lie
05. Obsolete
06. Is This It
07. Lonely
08. At Night
09. Pieces
10. Maybe
11. Follow Your Heart
SirenBlue’s latest offering, Hit Like and Carry On, is a testament to their enduring creativity and ability to evolve within the realms of power-pop and indie rock. The album, featuring 11 tracks, showcases the band’s signature sound while delving into themes that resonate deeply in today’s interconnected yet often disconnected world.
With an impressive lineup consisting of vocalist Collette Horne, Neil David (who also handles vocal duties, songwriting, and a variety of instruments), along with Jason Turner on lead guitar, Rich Lucas on drums, and Karl Manners on bass, SirenBlue’s sound is as tight and cohesive as ever.
From the opening track “Out of Here,” SirenBlue sets the tone with infectious melodies and introspective lyrics that invite listeners on a journey of self-reflection and exploration as one grows older. Tracks like “Empty” and “Echo Chamber” delve into the complexities of modern society, highlighting the struggles of navigating relationships and communication in an age dominated by digital noise.
“Empty” is a great example of what makes the band so special. The song kicks off with some dizzying guitar playing, equal parts Kiss, The Cars, and Joe Satriani. Horne comes in with vocals that feel like they could be coming from the 70′, 80’s, or today and would feel right at home in a small club or at a large music festival. It’s reminiscent of rock hits of the past yet still feels refreshing and new. I only wish the final break in the song would have led back into the chorus one last time before fading out.
“Echo Chamber” switches the vocal duties to Neil David, and with it comes a lighter touch. The track has serious pop sensibilities sprinkled in, echoing bands such as The Beatles, The Monkees, or Crowded House. And while the song has a sunnier vibe, it’s still sending a powerful message about sharing your thoughts and beliefs with only those who agree with you. And much like the song, it might seem easy and effortless to exist in an echo chamber, but there are deeper and more intricate things going on than what the surface shows. Sugar really does help the medicine go down.
“Live a Lie” and “Obsolete” delve into the disillusionment and existential crises that can arise from the pressures of conforming to societal expectations. However, amidst the introspection, there’s a sense of resilience and determination evident in tracks like “Is This It” and “Lonely,” urging listeners to confront their fears and embrace authenticity. The two songs share similar messages in strikingly different packaging.
Throughout the album, SirenBlue’s musical prowess shines through, with Collette Horne’s emotive vocals soaring over Neil David’s intricate songwriting, Steve Evans’s production, and the band’s incredibly tight instrumentation. Tracks like “At Night” and “Pieces” showcase the band’s versatility, blending elements of indie rock, pop, and electronica to create a dynamic sonic landscape.
“Maybe” serves as a poignant reminder of the uncertainty that often accompanies life’s journey, while “Follow Your Heart” closes the album on a hopeful note, encouraging listeners to trust their instincts and pursue their passions despite the odds.
Overall, Hit Like and Carry On is a captivating listen that not only showcases SirenBlue’s growth as artists but also serves as a reflection of the times we live in. With its infectious melodies, soaring guitars, thought-provoking lyrics, and expertly crafted instrumentation, this album solidifies SirenBlue’s place as one of the UK’s most compelling bands on the indie rock scene.
For fans of Blondie, Crowded House, No Doubt, and Garbage
https://sirenblue.hearnow.com/hit-like-and-carry-on
