Blue States - Across The Wire
[Memphis Industries]

Blue States made a relatively large impact with their broody, beat-driven and more importantly, instrumental debut 'Nothing Changes Under The Sun', a blissful chill-out album which topped many end of year charts. For their third album, after 2002's 'Man Mountain', sees Andy Dragazis return with his full backing band for a well planned, and more chart-orientated focus.

The first single taken from 'The Soundings' is a homage to early 80's moody guitar bands, with a storming melodic chorus, darkened lyrical excellence and the ballsy, swagger vocals of Chris Carr putting them in the same league as indie stars, The Doves. Captured in a raw and brash state, the new direction is obviously destined for great things within a live environment. Backed by notable festival appearances over the summer period, Blue States may be a household name by the close of the year, and quite rightly so.

More strings and melancholy, than samples and Carhartts.

7/10