CD Reviews - Blue Sand - Changed Names and Slaves EP By Michelle Dee

I was given the enigmatically titled Blue Sand EP and after a couple of hearings I was hooked. Blue Sand have played the Linnet and Lark on Princes Avenue and the newly refurbished Ringside venue in recent weeks. The title track has a touch of early Placebo about it. Lively guitar and driving drums make you sit up and listen from the start.

You and Heaven contains storytelling lyrics that you can hear, clear as a bell.

A catchy tune, that at times reminded me of the Swedish group, The Wannadies. Bleed Myself continues in a similar vein (pardon the pun!) with sweet guitars and gorgeous base. Kenny Other is next and it is a fantastic sing-along tune. The quality of the vocals is to die for, the kind of song that makes you want to bounce out of bed on a bright summer morning. Feel good, really good with this one!

Save Me is more of the same; a strong song with great lyrics. You wonder how they can better the previous 5 tracks, but somehow they manage it. Let It Rain is a fantastic sprawling epic of a song that scales the heights of passion and precipitation! Powerful and moving vocals - and violins, too! You can't go far wrong with a good crescendo of violins. This is a great value EP at any price, with no track less than 3 and a half minutes.

Some real moments of musical brilliance. An EP that will grow and grow on you, till you start singing Let It Rain or You and Heaven in Tesco on a Saturday afternoon.

Talking about Saturday, catch Blue Sand at the Adelphi on Saturday 24th April where they will be showcasing their considerable talent. It will be my first chance to see them play live and I can't wait! Blue Sand are: Gary Richardson - Lead Vocals and guitar Alan Ratcliffe - Vocals and guitar Ellena Richardson - Bass

thisisull.com Links The Vultures, Blue Sand and Superscape at the Adelphi - Saturday 20th March 04 By Cilla Blue Sand at The Sesh - Linnet & Lark

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