Album Review: The Ride by Catfish And The Bottlemen

No one can deny that Catfish and the Bottlemen are currently Britain's biggest band on the scene right now. The Llandudno foursome, consisting of Van McCann, Johnny Bond, Benjamin Blakeway and Bob Hall, have toured non stop for over 3 years and somehow have found time to record one of the most anticipated albums of the year. Their debut record, The Balcony, was an instant hit and is definitely the definition of a DIY album. However, they have gone and topped their debut with 'The Ride' (released 27th May). Produced by D Sardy, someone that has been an idol for the band since they were young, and recorded in LA, the album has a strong American influenced sound, especially in the production, but it definitely doesn't mean that they have lost that pure British grit, that has resonated through every song that they have put on the album. Personally, this is something that hasn't been heard in a British band's record since Arctic Monkeys' second album, 'Favourite Worst Nightmare'.

Catfish have not got round to performing any major UK venues yet (although they have just announced an arena tour for November), they've stuck to many of the small and medium sized clubs dotted around the country throughout their 7 year career. But 'The Ride' has tracks that could rock stadiums, let alone arenas. Songs such as 'Soundcheck' and 'Twice' have a huge sound, with driving guitar riffs and simple but so effective drumming from Bob Hall, topped off with personal lyrics from Van McCann. McCann's relationship problems are definitely a reoccurring topic on this album, evident with lines such as "I'd love you but I need another year alone" on '7'. Although personal, he's been able to make these lyrics as 'sing-a-long able', perfect for drunken evenings in festival fields.

I always like to hear bands steadily progress their sound through their albums and the Lids have definitely done this. 'Glasgow' has riff styles that haven't been heard on a CATB track to date. The use of an acoustic guitar on more than one song on the album is a change within itself but to play it in the style that Bond does is a massive difference from anything we've been exposed to from the band so far. The track 'Oxygen' has a strong swing feel that again, gives the band more to work with in later records and is a massive step forwards from the first album. All in all, this album doesn't disappoint, whether you're a new listener to the group or an avid follower.

Flea, the legendary bassist from Red Hot Chili Peppers, has recently stated that he believes 'rock music is dead' and that bands now lack 'real energy'. I'm definitely inclined to disagree and if bands start to produce more albums like 'The Ride', rock music is very much alive and kicking!

9.5/10

~Dan McGrath 31/05/16