S.C.U.M – Again Into Eyes (Mute)

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Being constantly compared to The Horrors, ‘Again Into Eyes’, S.C.U.M.’s debut album has proved those comparisons wrong. Album opener, ‘Amber Hands’ has attention-catching riffs followed by two songs which share the prefix ‘un-’: ‘Days Untrue’ and ‘Faith Unfolds’ which I adore. ‘Days Untrue’ seems a bit darker than its following track; ‘Faith Unfolds’ however, is more uplifting with drum beats at the beginning of the song. Being rather self-explanatory, this track explores themes around the subject of ‘faith’. With choruses that repeat the line ‘when we dream of faith’, one must admit that ‘Faith Unfolds’ is a very captivating song.

Only one of the few songs that were recorded by the band in various European cities made it onto the album: ‘Paris’ being an obvious choice. The track itself is slow-paced and features some elegant piano sounds -reminiscent of a 1980s’ power ballad with an indie twist. ‘Summon The Sound’, towards the end of the album, is an aggressive-sounding track which definitely leaves a strong first impression on new listeners. Finally, ‘Again Into Eyes’ ends with its very own ‘title track’ which is ‘Whitechapel’. I fell in love with this track instantly when it was released; it has now become my favourite song to play on the drums. The accompanying video with its juxtaposition of bright lights and shadows adds to the atmosphere of the song.

Personally, I think it was a smart move to bookend the album with the band’s two most recent singles, and in the process it caught my attention.  From beginning to end I truly enjoyed the bass line, and frontman Tom’s spiritual vocals; a very well-crafted debut.

[Rating: 4.5]

Release date: 12/09/11

http://www.mute.com/artists/s-c-u-m

 

 

God is in the TV is an online music and culture fanzine founded in Cardiff by the editor Bill Cummings in 2003. GIITTV Bill has developed the site with the aid of a team of sub-editors and writers from across Britain, covering a wide range of music from unsigned and independent artists to major releases.