Beach of Diamonds - Mean Roads
Stream Mean Roads here (Spotify)
I love it when a new band comes along that, upon hearing their music for the first time, feels like an old friend come to visit. Not that the music is generic or cookie cutter, but rather because they craft lyrics and melodies in such a way that you are convinced they are singing directly to you. That was exactly the case when I heard the excellent Mean Roads by splendid new Norwegian rock-pop band, Beach of Diamonds. The three lads (Michael - of the much lamented Cars & Calories, Erik and Sondre) combine a love of authentic country rock influences with bluesy rhythms, soaring pop choruses and effusive instrumental scores into their own engaging genre that defies both boundaries and expectations. In an era of music where popular sounds are replicated in studios to get carbon copy style hits, this organic blend of effusive guitar and intoxicating harmonica make for a surprisingly fresh wall of sound that is an exhilarating roller coaster ride from start to finish. Singer Michael gives blistering American yearning with an impassioned performance that drives the opening of the song into the all conquering chorus; I also like that they use Erik to give his perspective during the second verse - it adds texture to the song and makes you feel like you are down the pub with old mates, reliving old romantic war wounds. For a song about the soul-crushing experience of a love gone wrong, it never feels melancholy. Poignancy and pathos pervade the lyrics, yet the guys pour their all into it to craft a hugely cathartic anthem that, even if it doesn't help them heal, will certainly give listeners a thrilling way to sing, air guitar, air harmonica and fist-pump their pain away. Its certainly a rush, and such an energetic introduction to the band makes you giddy and eager for more. All hail Beach of Diamonds - the new kings of rock.
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