Album Review: Pure Love- Anthems

I wasn’t a fan of Frank Carter’s previous band, Gallows. Their music just didn’t appeal to me; I don’t really go for that vocal style. This however is more up my street, my sort of sound, and with it, Carter shows what a good voice he has.

Comparisons have been made to the likes of the Manic Street Preachers, The Gaslight Anthem and The Darkness, but personally I think they’re most similar to Stone Gods (the band formed from the ashes of The Darkness). Comparisons to The Gaslight Anthem are also accurate, as fans of the New Jersey band will be able to identify. To be honest though, the album title gives you some idea of what to expect, and it doesn’t disappoint.

What this album offers then is a selection of well delivered, guitar led songs with Carter’s strong vocals laid on top. It’s a different direction totally to Gallows, and he and guitarist Jim Carroll have pulled off a strong and solid debut album. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it makes no excuses for what it is. From start to finish it’s just pure rock. Stadium style rock that’s meant to be played with the volume turned up to 11.

 The album kicks off with the Oasis-esque ‘She (Makes the Devil Run Through Me)’ and it gives a good indication of what’s to come.  A solid riff and guitar solo show that the rest of the album means business; something that is confirmed within seconds of the next song, ‘Bury My Bones’, starting. Thumping drums and a crunching riff lead into the opening line “I’m so sick of singing about hate/It’s never gonna make a change”.  If proof were needed that there’s been a change of musical direction, then this is definitely it. It’s one of the best songs on the album. The guitars are huge and Carter’s vocals are particularly impressive. It has a punchy aggression, but at the same time has a very accessible sound.

 

 

Other standout songs on the album include the brilliant pop/rock track ‘Beach of Diamonds’. If you’re a fan of Noel Gallagher’s solo stuff then you’ll like it. The upbeat and catchy ‘Handsome Devil’s Club’ is another highlight with a big sing along chorus reeling you in. ‘Riot Song’ is another top quality song, again with strong chorus. These are my personal favourites off the album. They’re also the ones I was most familiar with before, as they were released on EPs last year. The rest of the album though is just as strong, with consistent guitar heavy anthems.

 

To conclude then, this an album full of pure rock songs. Nothing more, nothing less. It’s not trying to be anything else. Once you understand that, you can enjoy it for what it is. With so many various sub genres within rock, it’s nice to have a band that plays straight forward rock music. It was a brave decision to venture to a different style, and one that might not be popular with the legion of fans that like Carter’s previous work. But that also works the other way round. With a radio friendly and accessible sound, Pure Love’s fan base can only grow. An album I definitely recommend.

8/10