Hosted on the enigmatic and fancy Project Rodney site, Scouts are an emo-orientated hardcore band from North West England.
Opening with a very ‘post’ intro, which reminded me a bit of half-forgotten majesties Burning Airlines, the four piece are clearly confident. A new 7″ is due in the next few months, so this review of their first ep is timely.
The first thing that strikes me about Scouts is how much they remind me of long-passed and much-missed rough shouters Small Brown Bike. This is a great thing, as SBB were a magnificent band, and Scouts have the same edge. This is by no means hardcore in the Terror or Madball sense, but passionately performed, irony-free music. The band are American-sounding, from the vocals to the tone of the instruments, but this is hardly cause for concern given their chosen field.
There’s a subtle, comforting feeling that comes from this EP. Remaining perfectly listenable throughout, a great deal of thought appears to have gone into all aspects of the material. The gang vocals on Loser Club are more a group of sweaty friends singing together than some confrontational gun-show exercise. The harmonies have an unpolished charm, indeed the whole recording has a relaxed, comfortable cadence.
This may be as a result of Scouts’ formation from a number of other bands who may not have had the easiest ride through the industry. Openly stating their lack of joy at the often cruel music machine, there is a tender sorrow to this record, which makes it very honest. Panned Shots and the jubilant 2003 show that the band are committed to what they’re doing by virtue of the delivery alone.
Rock solid songs, a total lack of posturing and that slight sadness give this record a personality. The production speaks to their approach, giving each instrument room and air in which to move. This prevents the energetic material from being tiring, and gives the quieter moments their own grandeur.
Like the hand of a soldier on his comrade’s shoulder as they march home to safety, this record has a heart. That the band went on to release an EP of acoustic material after this shows that they put great stock in the music itself, which is something to be applauded. Apart from the totally incongruous and inappropriate breakdown in Factions, which in itself is simply rendered in the wrong production, this is ace, and a release worthy of your download.
Emolicious.