(DAILY RECORD)
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Managing to pack the strength of their live shows on to the frailty of a compact disk, Dead Sea Souls debut sounds like a grenade going off beside your head. We Were Always Electric jumps, jives and is forever changing – creating a collection of songs that not only excite but keep you perpetually off balance for its dizzying 40 minutes.
After a waltzing intro jam the album opens up into the behemoth that is ‘Trendsetter’. Deceptively anthemic, lead singer Gary Burns’ vocals come dripping in equal measures of passion and venom. A return volley against another band’s criticism of the West Lothian four-piece, the stinging chorus of “I’m so sorry that I don’t dress the way you like/I’ll never be in NME/And I’m not worthy of your time” is a broadside against the posers and phoneys that the Scottish music scene attracts in their droves. Safe to say the Dead Sea Souls had the last word here.
The only criticism of ‘Trendsetter’ could be that it casts a long shadow; taking the sting out of the following few tracks. However things are once again heading skywards on ‘Six’. More a refined 21st century ballad than supercharged riot, its restrained riffs and pulsating drums demonstrates a level of finesse on top of the band’s palpable power.
Next track ‘Young Team’ acts as a charming foil to this slice of solemnity, sounding delightfully juvenile and showing that they are a band with a song for every occasion. Jangling vocals and funky guitars breeze their way through this short interlude before it’s back to the bread and butter of indie rock on ‘New Vibe’.
Album closer ‘Danny Bell’ kicks off like a South American carnival – all trumpets and chants – before returning to Burns’ swinging vocals. Its ska beats leave the album on a particularly high note as the band metaphorically dance off into the distance.
We Were Always Electric is an album that spans genres and should have something to keep everybody entertained. Bristling with energy and exuberance, it is a listening experience that will only be enhanced by seeing the band in the flesh.
We Were Always Electric is out now http://deadseasouls.bandcamp.com/album/we-were-always-electric
http://www.theedinburghreporter.co.uk/2012/10/album-review-dead-sea-souls-we-were-always-electric/
Dead Sea Souls (of West Lothian, Scotland) have developed quite a reputation for their powerful, anthemic live performances.These guys put everything into their live shows and their unique flavor of indie power pop disco funk is a ride you don’t want to miss.
Recently being picked up by Platform Songs Publishing, these guys are quickly gaining momentum. Listen and watch the video for their new single, Trendsetter, below (off of We Were Always Electric).
Dead Sea Souls deliver energetic, upbeat, funky tunes reminiscent of Twin Atlantic or the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Every song delivers that rush of energy you feel on Friday after a long week at work.These guys have been selling out shows across Scotland. It’s only a matter of time before they cross the borders.
via the band's bio:
Dead Sea Souls have built a huge following on all social media site’s and an ever growing mailing list, which has helped them play with an ever loyal following in all of the major venue’s throughout central Scotland. Support slots to the likes of The Sunshine Underground, The View, Ocean Colour Scene, Stornoway and many others shows that all of Scotland’s music promoters know they can turn to the Dead Sea Souls to deliver an outstanding live show.
There you have it folks. Don’t sleep on Dead Sea Souls.
Now, if you don’t mind, I will commence to rocking out at full volume!
http://www.midtnmusic.com/dead-sea-souls-want-you-to-realize-we-were-always-electric/
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West Lothian skanking. And some very knowing lyrics about the cynicism and snobbery of the music scene, especially at the unsigned end of things. One for fans of Twin Atlantic's high-energy riffery. (THE LIST)
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“We Were Always Electric” is, undeniably, a stellar album, representing a tremendous offering from the Dead Sea Souls. Especially in terms of its accessibility and the consistency with which it displays quality musicianship and meaningful lyrics. Gary Burns’ wonderfully melodious vocals and bass playing are complemented expertly by James Sweeney’s mastery of the guitar, Colin Sneddon’s great six-string performances and David Clark’s rhythmic drum beats. It is understandable then, that all of the album’s 10 tracks are excellent, and are not let down by any pointless `filler’ tracks.
Particularly emotional and heart rendering tracks include; “Trendesetter,” “Raincoat,” the stunningly haunting “Six,” where Gary Burns’ vocal exceeds all expectations, “New Vibe” and the very danceable mover, “Cagefighter.”
The Dead Sea Souls appear to have significantly stretched the indie musical boundaries with this release, managing to encapsulate an earnestness and emotiveness together with a polished production that many indie bands rarely achieve.
While the album retains the band’s raw edge, especially through hard-hitting songs such as “My Problem” and the upbeat “Punk B-Side”, it also introduces a wealth of songs based around beautiful vocal harmonies and soaring melodies. The moving “Six” illustrates this point perfectly, as it stands as the most poignantly beautiful five minutes on this album and anything else I’ve heard this entire year.
Notwithstanding their melodic edge, the band never sink into a soppy, dull rock act. Even the album’s most tender moments either maintain a degree of intensity or are balanced out by more unrefined moments, culminating into an aurally appealing contrast.
All in all, after careful consideration of the album’s 10 superb songs, I would have to say that “We Were Always Electric” is a rocking, lyrically-rich, orchestral monster of an album that is home to some of the most powerful, uplifting pop-rock vocals, guitar riffs and rhythmic hooks I have heard, to date this year.
The album attains five stars from me, just for the song “Six,” alone; added to “Cagefighter” and its fellow 8 stand-out tracks, this album is easily worthy of so much more than just the five stars allowed.
Do your record collection a favour and be the envy of your friends, by not missing this excellent album by the Dead Sea Souls. Buy it now!
http://jamsphere.com/reviews/dead-sea-souls-we-were-always-electric-a-monster-of-an-album
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Continuing the worldwide search for great music has led me to some interesting places. The truth is that there is phenomenal music in every country if you take the time to look for it. Today we ventured into the unheralded country of Scotland to find the next great alternative rock band. What we found was the Dead Sea Souls.
Hailing from West Lothian in Central Scotland, Dead Sea Souls has built themselves up as the go to rock band to support the largest acts playing in the country. They are known for their high energy performances and their crowd engaging anthems. Their sound is hard to pin down as it has elements of alternative rock mixed with dashes of funk, indie rock, and even disco. The band consider themselves working class heroes and try to bring that Friday night after work feeling to each of their shows. Lead singer Gary Burns says “we are mainly a band that puts everything into our live performances and we believe we have delivered exactly that on this upcoming album, with a few extra special treats”.
Now the Dead Sea Souls are ready to introduce themselves to the world with their debut album, We Were Always Electric, on Big Rock Candy Records. The energy transfers well to the album on songs like ‘My Problem’ and ‘Punk B-Side’. Bouncy alt-rock songs that are sure to make a crowd move. Dead Sea Souls are able to slow it down as well with the heartfelt ‘Six’. Burns really shows off his vocal skills on this one. If I had to compare them to another band I would lean towards The Hives or fellow Scots Franz Ferdinand. The highlight track of the album has to be the lead single ‘Trendsetter’. The song grabs the listener right away with its sing along feel. The song is raw energy from start to finish. It is also has some real meaning to the band as a reaction to the exclusivity of the local band circuit in Scotland.
Bottom line: We Were Always Electric by Dead Sea Souls is a great overall record that could fit in well with any alternative rock playlist. Go check them out for yourself at:
And give the record a listen at:
http://indiebandguru.com/dead-sea-scrolls-the-search-for-great-alt-rock-from-scotland-is-complete
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The Scottish roots of the Dead Sea Souls are evident in their debut album We Were Always Electric: irresistible, charming and vibrant. The instant hook of their intro track is enough to get your toes tapping and ears listening, awaiting the vocals to kick in but totally content with just the instruments.
Upbeat and with a slight hint of ska in the jagged guitar riffs, single ‘Trendsetter’ is a sure-fire hit. What’s more, the energy of the track in fun. ‘You wouldn’t know one if it smacked you in the face my friend’ as just one of the brilliantly blunt but charismatically sung lyrics. The rolling ‘r’s’ of the Scottish drawling vocals are perfect, adding something different to the band.
Highlight ‘My Problem’ demonstrates this in all its glory. When you listen you can imagine exactly what the band would be like live, idea for summer festivals of gigs that brighten those winter days.
Their tracks are tunes you can dance to, at a gig or in your room – depending on your preference. With a quicker paced rhythm than the likes of Twin Atlantic, this idiosyncrasy gives the band an advantage that should see them go far. * * * * *
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