Gloria Cycles Review
Usually, I’m not into the Gloria Cycles type of band and so it surprised me when I took a particular interest in Campsite Discotheque’s idiosyncratic and fun indie tunes. The band’s twelve quirky songs are each individually unique and could defiantly be called memorable. I’ve even got my mum singing some of them, especially Chancer’s insanely catchy indie dance sound, which was influenced by mod bass stemming from The Jam and The Who. Each song, even if it may sound a bit random, has its distinctive meaning, which is evident with the use of tuneful guitars and buoyant bass lines.
The four members of Gloria Cycles include Glaswegian born Kenny McCracken (lead vocals and guitar), Julian Ward (lead guitar and vocals), Jack Hannan (Drums) and Jen Dalby (bass and vocals). The band have been busy touring Europe, and they were asked to go on tour with Cage, The Elephant and Fight Like Apes, as well as playing to 25,000 eager German music fans at the Taubertal Festival. They also played unmissable sets at Great Escape, Liverpool Sound City and Offset.
The first song on the album, Astronaut Swapshop had me intrigued to listen to more of the Cycles’ songs. When I first heard it I thought it was slightly bizarre and yet strangely enticing. No Zeroes demonstrates the faster, lively, guitar end of the Cycles’ sound, and to be honest you can’t help but nod your head along to this – I’m sorry to say it – rather ‘funky’ lyrics and rhythm! Some of the songs have quite intense meanings: New Law has strong political messages disguised beneath a catchy, playful tune, which is why I appreciate them because they’re putting their wise and observant ideas and thoughts across to us by using their music. Bag and Diplomatic Dining Tables are sung by Jen's melodic tone, and even though I personally don’t think she has the strongest voice, I think her vocals suit the songs and the band’s unique melodies and meaningful style. If I Wanted To Tell You is a really emotive and alluring song, and even though it’s something like 10 minutes long, it’s still a lovely relaxing song to listen to, and is quite a contrast to the band’s other upbeat songs.
Vegas and No Zeros (released on limited coloured vinyl) grabbed the attention of key tastemakers at Radio 1 and their debut single whizzed straight into the top 30 of their indie chart on word of mouth alone. The band have a true DIY ethic: they make their own dazzling artwork, promote their very own club night in Brighton and also direct their own videos. After the band were offered an exciting prospect from the producer of My Last Five Girlfriends, a Brit flick rom-com, they postponed the release of the album. The director of the movie will also be shooting the band's new video to upcoming single Religious, which is the third song on the album. The band have more recently seen their track Wonderbus appearing in a worldwide Samsung advert campaign and album track Bag being used on the new series of the hugely popular E4 smash drama Skins.
Overall I would recommend Gloria Cycles to people who like different sounds and like to listen to something a bit more eloquent and significant compared to the rubbish and un-meaningful songs that seem to be enforced upon us in this day and age (now I sound like an old lady :) ). I also like the band’s carefree attitude and I love it when a band isn’t really, really famous, as they seem more honest and real to listen to, so that’s why I’m really glad that I got the opportunity to listen to this album and they now come under my top five bands and singers!
Gloria Cycles' album, Campsite Discotheque, is due for release on 12th April.
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