Dead Love EP review

This six song debut CD represents an important stage in the three-year existence of the Glass Owls, as a first chance to commit to record some songs that have been well tried and tested in this Howick-based groups extensive gigging history.

The opening song ‘Griffin Boy’ wears is influences too clearly on its sleeve with heavy nods towards Julian Casablanca’s vocal style and the instrumentation and feel of Franz Ferdinand. This, frankly, doesn’t bode well, but from here things improve and the Owls reveal more of their own style which includes jaunty guitar strut and a clever ability to jump dynamics, feel and tempo to great effect. ‘No Avail’ and ‘Nothing Personal’ benefit strongly from this approach, and as a result have charm and appeal.

High points are the last two songs ‘Sarah’ and ‘Summer Girl’ where the group begin to transcend their influences rather than mimic them, What comes across in these two songs are a sense of groove, passion, and even fun. Clearly this would be a band to experience live.

The production has a few hiccups, with an overpowering guitar sound on ‘Summer Girl’, and a muddy drum sound, which does detract a little from an energetic percussive performance, especially in the louder moments.

This is a group ready to make its move – ‘Dead Love’ outlines a sound that is clearly defined and nearly refined.