Former Gallows man returns with Pure Love's stylish rock and roll debut
Available to stream on Spotify - see Spotify player below
Who would have thought that the frontman of England's former screamo punk leaders Gallows could return with a stylish, back to basics Rock and Roll band? I definitely wasn't expecting this from the moody and brooding Frank Carter. From the first note of opening track 'She (Makes The Devil Run Through Me)', your ears are filled with lyrics that talk of want not destruction, and clean electric guitar. Many Gallows fans will not be fans of Pure Love, but for me 'Anthems' is an enjoyable listen and I would expect their live shows to be just as good.
It's easy to see what Carter and guitarist Jim Carroll have set out to create with Pure Love from just the title of this album. The brand of Rock they have tried to create is full of powerful guitar chords, simple drum beats and lustful lyrics. 'Anthems' for the young carefree generation. Carter's voice is suited well to this, always on the edge of breaking with it's raw tone. Opening number 'She (Makes The Devil Run Through Me)' drags you into a story of lust for a forbidden someone and the feelings it can generate: "she makes the devil run through me, with the cruelness of beauty, she is the needle not the vein in your arm". A fitting image. Next up is first single 'Bury My Bones'. It storms into life with thundering drums and classic rock guitar echoing bands like The Darkness but still sounding unique. This is stylish single with a video to match and really sets out Pure Love's agenda. Carter's voice shouts out the opening lyrics "I'm so sick of singing about hate, it's never gonna make a change", a hint as to why he possibly felt he had reached his limit with Gallows. 'The Hits' continues in the same fashion, dominated by stuttering guitar and lyrics about the reluctance that people accept change with.
'Anthem' is a step change, almost a ballad. With softer guitar and piano providing the melody, which builds up to a climax towards the end of the song backed by a powerful rhythm section. This provides a nice contrast with the opening tracks. The ultra slick and stylish 'Beach of Diamonds' is next. The percussion backed guitar opening sounds fresh and is backed by off beat drumming. The lyrics again sing to their carefree audience "Dive in, dive in, come on dive in, sometimes you gotta throw caution to the wind". Again guitar dominates and reaches a climax with an excellent solo. 'Handsome Devil's Club', another single from the album, fits the theme of the album well and is full of 'angsty' lyrics. It is definitely a highlight of the album and could be compared to tracks by The Gaslight Anthem or even Manic Street Preachers as they share themes, similar guitar tone and melody. 'Heavy Kind of Chain' is another ballad, with a slower tempo and softer melody, using strings and piano to accompany the guitar.
This is followed by the highly charged 'Burning Love'. A powerful bass line dominates this lusty track, as the ever present guitar provides a suitable backing. The lyrics tell a graphic story of a hot and steamy session, teasing with the border between love and lust. As the title suggests, fire is the metaphor: "don't you look at me with those eyes, You be the petrol and I'll be the fire". A standout track. 'Scared to Death' and 'Riot Song' are both powerful songs, with classic themes of love and war and are full of nationalistic pride. Final track is the slow-burner 'March of the Pilgrims' which is dominated by Carter's voice.
Pure Love is a brave new direction for Carter and Carroll. Personally I think it works well and should appeal to a bigger fanbase than their previous projects. One of the strongest points this proves is that Carter is not a one trick pony and is versatile enough to write and sing different types of music. Looking forward, I hope they build on this and come back with another strong release.
Key tracks: She (Makes The Devil Runs Through Me), Bury My Bones, Beach of Diamonds, Handsome Devils Club, Burning Love
'Anthem' is a step change, almost a ballad. With softer guitar and piano providing the melody, which builds up to a climax towards the end of the song backed by a powerful rhythm section. This provides a nice contrast with the opening tracks. The ultra slick and stylish 'Beach of Diamonds' is next. The percussion backed guitar opening sounds fresh and is backed by off beat drumming. The lyrics again sing to their carefree audience "Dive in, dive in, come on dive in, sometimes you gotta throw caution to the wind". Again guitar dominates and reaches a climax with an excellent solo. 'Handsome Devil's Club', another single from the album, fits the theme of the album well and is full of 'angsty' lyrics. It is definitely a highlight of the album and could be compared to tracks by The Gaslight Anthem or even Manic Street Preachers as they share themes, similar guitar tone and melody. 'Heavy Kind of Chain' is another ballad, with a slower tempo and softer melody, using strings and piano to accompany the guitar.
This is followed by the highly charged 'Burning Love'. A powerful bass line dominates this lusty track, as the ever present guitar provides a suitable backing. The lyrics tell a graphic story of a hot and steamy session, teasing with the border between love and lust. As the title suggests, fire is the metaphor: "don't you look at me with those eyes, You be the petrol and I'll be the fire". A standout track. 'Scared to Death' and 'Riot Song' are both powerful songs, with classic themes of love and war and are full of nationalistic pride. Final track is the slow-burner 'March of the Pilgrims' which is dominated by Carter's voice.
Pure Love is a brave new direction for Carter and Carroll. Personally I think it works well and should appeal to a bigger fanbase than their previous projects. One of the strongest points this proves is that Carter is not a one trick pony and is versatile enough to write and sing different types of music. Looking forward, I hope they build on this and come back with another strong release.
Key tracks: She (Makes The Devil Runs Through Me), Bury My Bones, Beach of Diamonds, Handsome Devils Club, Burning Love
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