Forward Russia - Breaking Standing
[Cooking Vinyl]

Forward Russia are the perfect example of how a band can succeed on their own terms, if they put in the time, effort and dedication. Where so many stick a few tracks on MySpace and expect the industry to fall at their feet, the Leeds outfit toured extensively, self-financed and self-released a succession of singles, and delivered their critically successful debut album Give Me A Wall. In other words, it didn't come handed to them on a plate - it came with a lot of blood, sweat and possibly tears.

That was 2006 though and fast-forward two years, Forward Russia sound leaner, tighter and destined for greatness. They've already jumped ship to Cooking Vinyl and worked with producer Matt Bayles on second album Life Processes, and it's this production that is most noticeable about the band's new material. As heard on upfront single Breaking Standing - a strange selection from the album, given the plethora of more suitable "singles" on the record - the band have made the transition from the urgent, DIY prog-disco of Give Me A Wall, into a fully-fledged "stadium-esque" band.

One of their most gentler moments, Tom Woodhead's vocals are high in the mix - so high in fact, that the rest of the band's input barely makes a dent. Guitars are less agressive and insistent than before, beats barely shake the ribs and so slow-paced is Breaking Standing, it sounds like an album closer - definitely not the punch and weight a lead single should be packing. It is a great song, don't mistake that, just let-down by studio work and taken out of context from the rest of the long-player.

Life Processes is where the song should be heard, and one of the best albums available this year so far - invest without hesitation.

(Watch the Breaking Standing video here)